MARC (MEN ADVOCATING REAL CHANGE) LEADERS WORKSHOP
ACHIEVING GENDER EQUITY IN THE WORKPLACE
The HEA National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions (2016) showed that there is significant under-representation of women at senior levels in Irish higher education institutions (HEIs). The achievement of gender equality in higher education needs to be led from the top, with the ultimate responsibility for its achievement sitting with the HEI president, or equivalent. Within the business context, it has been observed that ‘organisational change efforts often falter because individuals overlook the need to make fundamental changes in themselves’. As part of the Athena SWAN (AS) Pilot process the HEA allocated a budget to support the AS National Steering Committee in capacity-building for HEIs’ successful engagement with the AS Charter. As part of this process the University of Limerick was successful in receiving part-funding to host the MARC (Men Advocating Real Change) highly acclaimed Catalyst Programme. The MARC Leaders programme is an example of a unique ‘best practice’ leadership development programme. The 1 ½ day workshop is aimed at men and women holding senior management positions in the HE Sector, particularly Presidents of Institutions, Vice Presidents, Members of Executive, Professors, Division Directors etc.