Although I was aware of many issues, the Athena Swan process has also been a bit of an eye opener, and made us all think. Does this meeting really need to be after work? Are we actively pushing our women forwards for senior roles? Do we ensure a good mix of invited key-note speakers to the Institute? We are addressing these areas. And importantly, with the help of our new maternity mentors, we are learning how to deal with the “bump that dare not speak its name”; this is the awkward situation whereby no one knows quite what to say about a pregnancy, for fear of doing the wrong thing. This week we appointed our first part-time academic (many women go from full time to part time, but to actually appoint someone part time is quite rare); and the fact that she has barely returned from maternity leave makes it feel even more special.
— How to create a better future for women in science in The Guardian