Queen's University currently holds a prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award.  The University also holds 15 School Awards comprising 3 Gold, 6 Silver and 6 Bronze. 

The Advance HE Athena Swan Charter is used internationally as a framework to support the advancement of gender equality within higher education and research. The Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. Queen's University Belfast has been a member of the Athena Swan Charter since its formation in 2005.

In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.