Glasgow City of Science and Innovation are happy to report an international project involving University of the West of Scotland that aims to encourage more women into senior roles is celebrating success.

The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) project, funded by the British Council, has seen the University work with higher education institutions in India to address the gender gap and encourage diversity and inclusion.

Four out of the five institutions UWS worked with have now received their awards, three of which were awarded the highest grade available. They included the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani; the National Institute of Technology in Rourkela; Banaras Hindu University and the MoE&F Wildlife Institute of India.

The project has seen UWS deliver a range of workshops to institutions in India to guide and support them through their GATI work, as well as involving them in existing UWS initiatives and women-focused programmes. These workshops have included the importance of mentoring in gender advancement and leadership in a gender balance and EDI culture.

The GATI model draws inspiration from the Athena Swan Gender Equality Charter and accreditation framework, which was developed and operated by Advance HE.

Professor Fiona Henriquez from UWS led the University’s involvement in the project. 

“I am delighted for our group of Institutions. It has been a truly inspiring experience to learn about the HE environment in India through our discussions and learn more about their Institutions. These awards are testament to their self-assessment and action plan work to ensure inclusive and supportive environments.”

Dr Lucy Meredith, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UWS added: “Through this initiative, we have continued to strengthen the deep relations that exist between India and the UK in the field of education, and we have engaged, mentored, partnered and supported these institutions to work towards reaching best practice in gender equality. Congratulations to all institutions involved on achieving their grades.”