The quarterly publication was launched earlier this year by alumna Dr Anatu Mahama, as she wanted to celebrate and recognise the contribution female academics are making within academia and to help these women feel connected through a network of likeminded professionals.

On pages 6-9, Adèle MacKinlay and Dr Jenna Townend have written an article about their efforts to address gender inequality last year, which included founding Maia, Loughborough University’s Women’s Network.

The Network has flourished since May 2020, uniting a diverse range of women from across the institution with over 450 members and more than 25 remote events hosted to date. It has also collaborated with male allies, launched a successful mentoring scheme, and produced resources in partnership with the likes of Professor Liz Stokoe.

Jenna and Adèle reflect on the success of Maia in the piece and share their advice for others in the sector who are interested in exploring similar initiatives.

In a separate item, Professor Lisa Jackson and Professor Tom Jackson spoke with Anatu about their journeys into academia, and how much impact gender has had on their experiences. They discuss the importance of having supportive colleagues, the need for diversity, and where universities still have room to improve on creating a level-playing field.   

And last but by no means least, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable and Resilient Urbanism Dr Ksenia Chmutina talks about the lessons she has learnt during her career which has taken her around the world. The publication delves into Ksenia’s research, how passionate she is about it, and the potential it has to significantly help marginalised people globally. Dr Chmutina also discusses her optimism about the shift towards a demand for equality in academia. 

Dr Mahama commented: “As an alumna of the University, I’m delighted and honoured to tell their academic journeys.”

A digital version of the latest edition can be viewed here: The Academic Woman