Earlier this year, Queen’s University Belfast became the first university on the island of Ireland, and only the second in the UK, to achieve an Athena Swan Institutional Gold Award for its outstanding work improving gender equality. This prestigious award is the result of 25 years of dedicated work led by visionary senior women, recognising excellence in promoting gender equality across higher education and research.

The University hosted a special event in May to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Over 400 students, staff, alumni and community leaders, including the First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland attended the celebration. The festivities began with a 'Reflections: A 25-Year Journey in Gender Equality' event, featuring ‘in conversation’ reflections with current and former key members of the Queen's Gender Initiative (QGI) and Athena Swan committees.

The main celebration event was held in the Whitla Hall and included keynote speeches, a poetry reading, lightning talks, musical performances and a dynamic panel discussion. Attendees enjoyed lunch and ice cream from food trucks at the Lanyon Building. The event also included a formal lunch for key stakeholders, enabling deeper conversations about the University’s commitment to active inclusion.