The new Athena Swan Working Group for International Staff and Students is a platform committed to addressing the unique and intersectional challenges faced by international staff and students in SHW. The group explores the impact of these challenges on academic, professional, mental, and social well-being and also serves as a community for international staff and students to network, connect, and share experiences.

The group was officially approved by the Athena Swan Self Assessment Team (SAT) in February 2024, following a proposal submission by Samuel Owusu Achiaw, Manuela Deidda and Dikshyanta Rana.  A successful recruitment round took place from June to August 2024, resulting in a group membership of 26 (17 staff members and 9 students) as of September 2024.

The group had its first meeting, a hybrid meeting, on 11th September 2024. Prior to this meeting, a pre-launch survey was conducted within the group to collect views and perspectives on the various challenges members may be facing. The main agenda points for the first meeting were the discussion of the new working group’s terms of reference and the findings from the pre-launch survey.

Some of the challenges highlighted during the meeting include visa, immigration and travel concerns; short-term contracts and their impact on international staff and their families; and the lack of supportive networks and relevant information. Possible actions to address these challenges were discussed and a project plan for the group was put together.

For its first year, the group aims to work towards identified priority areas by collaborating with other Athena Swan working groups and engaging with the Athena Swan SAT and the senior management of the school. The working group also looks forward to welcoming new members from the 2024/25 cohort of students as the group is being advertised to the new students on various platforms.

If you would like to join this group, please contact the chair Samuel Owusu Achiaw and co-chairs Dikshyanta Rana and Manuela Deidda.

 

First published: 30 October 2024

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