Frederick University has been awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, one of the most widely recognized international frameworks for evaluating universities’ policies and practices in promoting gender equality in higher education and research.

Successful evaluation under Athena SWAN is internationally regarded as an important indicator of quality and institutional commitment to advancing gender equality and creating a more inclusive academic environment. The award was granted by the organization Advance HE and is valid until March 2030.

Frederick University is among the first universities in Cyprus to receive this international distinction, as part of the first participation of Cypriot universities in the evaluation process of the Athena SWAN Cyprus program, which is implemented in Cyprus at the initiative of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA). Within the framework of the pilot implementation of Athena SWAN Cyprus, participating universities were invited to submit applications at the institutional level and at the Bronze level, in accordance with the structure of the program for its first application in Cyprus. This process aimed to develop the necessary institutional structures, policies, and mechanisms that will enable universities to progress to the next stages of the framework.

The Athena SWAN evaluation process is considered highly demanding, as it requires extensive institutional self-assessment, data analysis, and the development of a comprehensive action plan to improve gender equality at all levels of a university’s operations.

In its evaluation, the committee praised Frederick University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and the institutional integration of these principles into the strategic mission of the institution. Particular mention was made of the strong governance structures supporting equality initiatives, as well as the role of the Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion EnAF (Equality ‘n’ Awareness @ Frederick).

The Women in STEM initiative was highlighted as an example of good practice, having contributed to doubling the participation of women in the University’s School of Engineering within five years. At the same time, the University was commended for its comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing gender-based violence.

In a statement, the President of the Council of Frederick University, Ms. Natassa Frederickou, said:
“This distinction represents significant recognition of the collective efforts of our university community to create an environment of equality, respect, and equal opportunities. At Frederick University, we believe that promoting gender equality is a fundamental prerequisite for excellence in education and research. I would like to thank the members of the Self-Assessment Team (SAT), who worked with dedication to prepare the application and contributed decisively to the successful outcome of the process. I would also like to express our sincere thanks to the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and especially to its former President, Professor Mary Koutselini, for their initiative to bring the Athena SWAN program to Cyprus, giving Cypriot universities the opportunity to participate in this important international evaluation process.”

The Athena SWAN program, which began in the United Kingdom and is now implemented in many countries, including Ireland, Australia, and Canada, is one of the most important international frameworks for promoting gender equality in higher education and research.