SWiM Promotion Outcomes 2021
Supporting Women in MDHS (SWiM) is a tailored mentoring program that aims to support equitable academic promotion in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences.
In 2021, the inaugural SWiM Mentoring Program was offered to 26 x Level C and 11 x Level D women academics from each of the schools within MDHS. Of these, 14 participants applied for promotion to Level D, and 8 applied for promotion to Level E.
SWiM participants reported that an important benefit of the program was the community building aspect; of getting to know other academics within the faculty and expanding their networks. Additional benefits included having a mentor outside of their field/school, building new professional relationships and collaborations, the peer support network and the practical workshops on application development.
Below is a summary of the program's outcomes and promotions in 2021.
Academic Promotions and SWiM 2021
In the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, there was an increase in promotion applications from women in 2021. 68% were Level D applicants, compared to 64% in 2020, and 67% Level E applicants, compared to 50% in 2020. Given the gendered impact of COVID-19, this is a significant outcome. Of the successful promotions, 79% of Level D promotions were SWiM participants, and 75% of Professorial Level E promotions were SWiM participants.
The initiative was well rounded; the combination of mentorships, instructional sessions and group support meetings were complementary and of equal value to preparing the application - Mentor