IGAB visit: External experts advise SDU on strengthening equality and inclusion
In late April, SDU welcomed its International Gender Advisory Board (IGAB) to share experiences and discuss how equality and inclusion can be built earlier and more systematically into decision-making—while strengthening leadership capacity across the organisation.
IGAB consists of experts from universities and organisations across Europe and the United States. During the visit, the board met with SDU’s Executive Board, the Gender & Equality Team, and members of the university’s central and local gender equality committees.
Embedding equality and inclusion earlier in decisions
A key theme throughout the visit was how universities can strengthen leadership capacity across all organisational levels—and ensure that equality and inclusion perspectives are considered earlier and more systematically in decision-making processes.
Data, learning and recognition
The discussions also highlighted the importance of meaningful data and organisational learning, as well as recognising the contributions of staff members who help drive equality initiatives across the university.
According to Head of SDU’s Gender & Equality Team, Liv Baisner Petersen, the visit created an important space for reflection and shared learning across the organisation:
"Institutional change rarely starts with grand declarations. It starts when people challenge themselves, take shared responsibility, and begin moving in the same direction. That is exactly what conversations like these help us do."
Local equality plans highlighted as a strength
Pavel Ovseiko, Senior Research Fellow at University of Oxford and Deputy Chair of the Athena Swan Governance Committee, highlighted SDU’s local approach to equality work—where departmental Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) complement the central university GEP:
"I am impressed that, in addition to the central university GEP, many departments at SDU have developed and implemented departmental GEPs. This matches best practice at Oxford and will no doubt help SDU increase its international competitiveness in recruiting and retaining the best talent."
He also emphasised the importance of recognising staff and students who contribute to equality work across the university.
Ongoing collaboration since 2018
SDU has collaborated with IGAB since 2018. The board serves as a “critical friend” by providing external perspectives and research-based input that help strengthen SDU’s ongoing equality efforts.
The visit is part of SDU’s continued efforts to develop attractive study, research and working environments—and to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent internationally.