Building belonging: A grassroots peer-support network for academic women

Abstract

<p>Relationships are one of the core pillars to wellbeing. In the workplace, relationships provide an opportunity for learning with and from one another. In academia, healthy relationships are vital. We see networking, mentoring relationships, and connecting as a part of forming one's academic identity. This chapter presents the development of the Swinburne Women's Academic Network (SWAN) at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. We discuss why such a network is required, unpack SWAN's five programs, explain the principles that underpin our vision, and demonstrate how SWAN has connected women in our university. Relationships are key to SWAN's success. SWAN builds belonging in academia by sharing practical advice and expertise, nurturing networking opportunities, creating safe spaces, and providing tailored financial support. Our experiences, combined with those of our participants, show that a grassroots peer-support network for academic women fosters connections.</p>