Kerstin Mey’s appointment as the first ever female president of a university in Ireland is an historic moment and I want to congratulate her for this achievement. I have no doubt she will be a great success leading the University of Limerick at this difficult time.
While it is historic, it is also long overdue. It is important that we also use this time to redouble our efforts in bringing gender equality to all aspect of higher education including senior management levels.
It is mind boggling to think that the post of president in all our universities has eluded 51% of the population until 2020.
All aspects of the Gender Action Plan 2018-2020 in higher education need to be implemented without delay. Many positive steps have been taken but work must continue until we achieve complete equality in gender representation throughout all structures of higher education.
The under-representation of women among staff in higher education, particularly at senior levels is an ongoing challenge that I will be putting at the core of my work as spokesperson for the opposition on Higher Education”.
