Close
This network is currently inactive and pursuing the recruitment of new chairs. You can still get in touch to register interest as either a member or co-chair by emailing equalities@ucl.ac.uk.
Formation
In June 2018, inspired by the Friends of Out@UCL initiative, Professor Robb McDonald (Head of Department of Mathematics) and Dr Nicola Brewer (Vice Provost, International and Gender Equality Champion on SMT) co-hosted a lunch to explore the idea of setting up a Male Allies Network at UCL to contribute to and catalyse gender equality. The Provost, as well as Fiona McClement, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and other members of the EDI team all spoke at the event.
Around 20 men - all nominated by their UCL colleagues as active supporters of gender equality - participated in a round table discussion about:
- Why male allies are needed
- What they can do (and should not do)
- Whether to set up a network.
Top ideas included:
- Putting together a roadmap
- Key principles
- Priority objectives for a network which will be kick-started by Dr Nathan Lea
- Publicising positive experiences of shared parental leave
- Engaging with relevant local, national and international initiatives
- Continuing to advocate for women
- Challenging inappropriate and sexist behaviour while being positive male role models.
Several Heads of Department offered ideas on the positive differences they can make in creating an inclusive workplace.
Kevin Coutinho, Athena SWAN Manager, gathered up many of the suggestions on the flipcharts and will be working with Nathan to turn the material into a roadmap.
Want to get involved?
We know there are colleagues who expressed interest but were unable to make it to the lunch, and there may be others who are only hearing about this for the first time.
If you would like to get involved, or stay involved, please contact equalities@ucl.ac.uk
