Workplace Gender Equality Agency names Swinburne as employer of choice for gender equality

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has today announced Swinburne University of Technology as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

The prestigious citation recognises employer commitment and best practice in promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces.

It is the seventh consecutive year in which Swinburne has been named an Employer of Choice by the WGEA.

“Swinburne celebrates and respects the strength that difference creates. We are committed toIt is the seventh consecutive year in which Swinburne has been named an Employer of Choice by the WGEA progressing gender equality,” Swinburne President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Linda Kristjanson says.

The university’s commitment is established in the Gender Equality Strategic Action Plan, which outlines a range of objectives and actions for gender equality at Swinburne including flexible work arrangements, family and domestic violence support programs and gender pay equity.

In the past year, Swinburne has further advanced gender equality via a number of new initiatives, including:

• delivery of unconscious bias training for managers and senior leaders, in order to minimise unintended discrimination
• taking a stand as the first university in Australia to declare support for marriage equality in Australia
• extending family violence leave to casual as well as ongoing and contract staff
• selected to participate in a Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program, which aims to help to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM)

“Our goal is to be Australia’s leading university for inclusion and Swinburne’s focus on gender equality is just one aspect of this. Other important initiatives include our Pride at Swinburne celebrations, our Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan and our AccessAbility Action Plan,” says Professor Kristjanson.

WGEA Director Libby Lyons congratulated the 2015 citation holders for their initiative and commitment.

“These employers are at the frontline of driving positive change as they set the gold standard for inclusive workplaces,” said Ms Lyons.

“It’s especially encouraging that more organisations are looking for ways to actively support women and men to balance their caring responsibilities while also pursuing their careers.”

Swinburne is one of 90 organisations receiving the prestigious citation.

View more information on Swinburne’s Gender Equality Strategic Action Plan.

Media enquiries