For the third and fourth episode of the INSPIRE Unplugged Dialogues (we split the interview into two parts), we had the great pleasure to interview Prof. Pat O'Connor, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Limerick and Visiting Professor at the UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy.
Prof. O'Connor reflects on the progress made towards gender equality in higher education, particularly the dramatic and beneficial increase in women holding senior academic and leadership positions in Ireland. However, she argues that visible changes in representation do not necessarily translate into deeper organisational or cultural change, pointing to persistent gender-based violence, microaggressions and undervaluing of women's work. At the same time, the conversation looks at initiatives such as Athena SWAN through a critical lens, questioning whether they genuinely transform institutional structures or can instead create the impression that gender equality has been "solved".
In the second part of the interview, Prof. O'Connor explores how institutional change can be achieved by identifying where power is located and finding the right "buttons" or leverage points to influence decision-makers. She discusses the role of targets and incentives in advancing gender equality, while also emphasising the importance of grassroots persistence, sharing experiences, and understanding the structural barriers faced by people in precarious positions. Ultimately, she argues that change is possible, but requires action at multiple levels - from senior leadership to those working within the system - and a willingness to recognise and use power strategically.
You can listed to the two episodes at the links below.
Part 1
Part 2
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The INSPIRE Unplugged Dialogues is a podcast series where we sit down with gender equality experts, be they academics, researchers, or practitioners, and we discuss issues related to gender, (in)equalities, diversity and inclusion, intersectionality, feminism, and more.
