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University of Essex homepage Departments Government Equality and inclusion
Department of Government

Equality and inclusion

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Promoting and celebrating equality in our department

The Department of Government is committed to systematically reviewing and addressing issues of gender equality, whilst developing a culture of respect and inclusivity within the Department.
“Our Department is built upon a productive and inclusive environment that offers equality of opportunity and a positive culture for all. As Head of Department, I am personally committed to a culture and set of actions that lead to the progression and success of women in political science.”
Professor Faten Ghosn Head of Department of Government

The Athena SWAN Charter

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The University of Essex was awarded the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award in November 2013. In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in other disciplines, including political science.

Students on Square 4
Athena SWAN Bronze Award

In 2020 we received the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, recognising our commitment to gender equality. We will continue working to improve the recruitment, retention and progression of women in political science.

Learn more about the Athena SWAN application process

Celebrating women in our department

Our department has over 55 academic members of staff, 21 of whom are women. We also have over 55 research students, more than one third of whom are women. We are proud of our outstanding female political scientists.

Our Athena SWAN lead

Dr Miranda Simon

Dr Miranda Simon

Athena Swan Lead

Department of Government, University of Essex

“We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the Department, as well as our students. In line with our Athena SWAN goals, we are working to increase female representation in research, teaching and leadership.”

Our academics and students

Dr Zorzeta Bakaki

Dr Zorzeta Bakaki

Lecturer

Department of Government, University of Essex

"The University and my colleagues in the department secured that I could take as much maternity leave I needed and I would have a smooth transition back to work with reduced amount of responsibilities."
Professor Ismene Gizelis

Professor Ismene Gizelis

Professor

Department of Government, University of Essex

"The Department has given me the freedom and resources to pursue my academic interests... I was consistently encouraged to move quickly through the ranks. At the same time, colleagues and the department supported me when I had to take medical leave."
Dr Alexandra Hennessy

Dr Alexandra Hennessy

Senior Lecturer

Department of Government, University of Essex

"I am grateful to the Government Department at the University of Essex for accommodating the needs of dual career couples and families. First, making an offer to both of us put an end to our endless commute into different cities. Second, staff were also sensitive to the needs of our teenage son, who was anxious about leaving his home."
Dr Seonghui Lee

Dr Seonghui Lee

Lecturer

Department of Government, University of Essex

"During my recent transition to Essex I have received invaluable support from the Department and colleagues. The colleagues never hesitated to help me with my inquiries – work-related or personal – and were always willing to share their experiences."
Professor Gina Yannitell Reinhardt

Professor Gina Yannitell Reinhardt

Reader

Department of Government, University of Essex

"The Department has been very supportive of my engagement with local government partners, which I appreciate because it allows me to have an impact outside of academia... Above all, I think the support we all receive for health and wellness considerations is critical to helping us all work better and more productively."
“I really enjoyed my UROP placement, because I was able to learn how to code and how to research in depth for articles with only little a priori information. It gave me the opportunity to try something I had never thought would be a career option for me.”
Lucrezia Periotto uNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
 “The Department has been very supportive of my PhD studies providing me feedback on my research progress and funding for training and conferences. The departmental support has also yielded external research opportunities – for example, last year I was part of the Visions in Methodology conference where I was able to interact with many outstanding female scholars in the U.S. As a postgraduate research student, it is very inspiring being part of a department with so many bright female scholars.”
Tatiana Gélvez PhD candidate
“As a PhD student I have always felt respected and encouraged by the Department. I have been given plenty of opportunities to participate in international conferences and present my work to my field’s top scholars... The department has also trusted me with a lot of teaching responsibilities as well, which has strengthened my professional profile. My supervisory board has gone at great lengths to support me during my first years in academia. Knowing that I have the department’s help and trust makes entering the next phase of my professional career a lot less frightening.” 
Katariina Mustasilta  Recent PhD Graduate

Teaching and researching equality

Our work engages with some of the key debates surrounding gender, equality, diversity, inclusion and representation within the political landscape today.

Our teaching

 

Our department offers a number of modules that examine issues surrounding equality and diversity. Visit our module directory for up to date information.

The department continuously seeks to increase the gender balance of reading lists using the Gender Balance Assessment Tool.

Our publications

Here are some recent publications by female colleagues:

Here are some recent publications concerning diversity and inclusivity:

Our grants

  • Collaborative Research Centre 884: Political Economy of Reforms. Project C4 with project P.I.'s Thomas Gschwend, Heiner Stuckenschmidt and Nicole Baerg (Mercator Follow) 547,200 Euro.
  • Research and Empirical Analysis of Labor Migration (REALM), Rabia Malik, $200,000 USD Marine Spatial Planning Addressing Climate Effects (MSPACE), Natural Environment Research Council, Gina Reinhardt, £203,256.
  • Testing the impact of interventions on migration decision-making, International Organisation for Migration, Miranda Simon, £1.6 million.

  • Varieties of Climate Vulnerability: Assessing Socio-Economic and Political Risks in the Anthropocene, Leverhulme Trust Federica Genovese, £1 million

  • Rethinking Subaltern Agency, Leverhulme Trust, Moya Lloyd £120,964

Wellbeing resources for staff and students
Equality and diversity at Essex
Essex Women's Network
Occupational Health at Essex
Parents' Support Network at Essex
Parental Leave at Essex
Wivenhoe Park Nursery
Study at Essex
Jobs at Essex
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