Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada is pleased to launch the SWAAC Equity Framework.

CONTEXT

Recognizing the long-term persistence of significant under representation, Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada is committed to supporting the advancement of women, and those who identify as women, in post-secondary institutions in Canada. While progress can be seen in terms of the advancement of women and underrepresented groups, at the most senior levels, very little change has materialized over the last two decades. Meaningful progress is dependent upon institutions making explicit and purposeful commitments to support diversity, address intersectionality, and develop the support of allies.

Intersectionality is a way of conceptualizing identity and its relationship to power. It is when individuals are disadvantaged or privileged by multiple identity markers (e.g., Indigeneity, race, disability, age, class, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, etc.).

SWAAC EQUITY FRAMEWORK

The SWAAC Equity Framework aims to support the advancement of women and address intersectionality through  three goals:

• Attract and advance female leaders into senior academic and administrative post-secondary positions;
• Attract and advance female leaders particularly into the senior executive roles of  Vice-President or President (or equivalent);
• Support the engagement of women leaders in SWAAC as a way of developing networks, connecting with mentors, and experiencing leadership professional development.

​Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada is inviting post-secondary institutions in Canada to partner and join as signatories to the SWAAC Equity Framework. As tangible evidence of their commitment to hiring and promoting women into senior administrative positions, institutions are encouraged to highlight their partnership with SWAAC on their websites and in their hiring advertisements. SWAAC partners are eligible to refer women with the potential to be senior leaders to SWAAC’s unique mentoring program for individualized support from women who have extensive senior leadership experience in the post secondary education sector.  

HOW IS THE SWAAC EQUITY FRAMEWORK DIFFERENT THAN OTHER INITIATIVES IN CANADA?

There are various initiatives in Canada aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in post-secondary institutions. As a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), Universities Canada has launched a five-year action plan. The Government of Canada recently introduced the Dimensions Charter which also focuses on EDI in and related to research. The SWAAC Equity Framework is focused on leadership.  The SWAAC Equity Framework also unites universities, colleges, and poly-technical institutions in Canada.

MORE INFORMATION OR TO EXPRESS INTEREST IN BEING A SIGNATORY

If you are interested in partnering, have any questions, or would like to continue the dialogue in person, please email: [email protected].

SWAAC EQUITY FRAMEWORK PARTNERS
(FORTHCOMING)