By Jess Casey and Lorna SigginsThe minister for state for higher education has rejected the notion that the creation of new professorships exclusively for women at 12 third-level institutes discriminates against men. In a bid to address gender imbalance at senior level across the sector, 20 new professorships specifically for women are set to be in place by September. University of Limerick (UL) emeritus professor of sociology Pat O’Connor welcomed the professorships as a “necessary start”, but says fundamental action is needed for a “culture change”. She said her research suggests there is a “cosy consensus” across universities in relation to access by women to senior posts. Women have, on average, a three times lesser chance than men of accessing a professorship, she found.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2020 05:37 UTC