Swinburne commitment to gender equality recognised for ninth consecutive year

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has recognised Swinburne as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) for the ninth year in a row.

The recognition reflects Swinburne’s commitment to workplace gender equality in Australia.

Rita Cincotta, Swinburne’s Vice-President (People and Culture), says the university has worked hard to create a culture dedicated to encouraging and supporting flexibility and equal opportunities for all staff – no matter their gender, cultural background, stage of life or sexual orientation.

“Swinburne aims to be Australia’s leading university for diversity and inclusion and our focus on gender equality is an integral part of this plan,” she says.

Over the last twelve months Swinburne has introduced a range of new initiatives as part of the university’s participation in the SAGE Pilot Program, including:

• A school holiday program that offers educational activities for primary school-aged children
• Five dedicated parents’ rooms across all campuses so parents have a private place to breastfeed or express milk.

Other gender equality initiatives introduced at Swinburne over the last year include:

• Launching the Support for Academic Carers Pilot Program, which aims to address gender inequity among Swinburne academics while they experience career interruptions due to carer and/or parental responsibilities or are returning to work following a period of parental or personal (carer’s) leave
• Supporting 17 Swinburne academics to participate in the Envisage program which provides mentoring for women

Continuing to develop female leaders

Ms Cincotta says the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation acknowledges Swinburne’s commitment to developing leadership capability and opportunities for female employees across the university.

“In order for women to aspire to senior roles, having visible role models and mentors in the workplace is important. Role models help us to visualise what is possible. Mentors guide whilst providing development opportunities, encouragement and support.

“We have great role models and mentors at Swinburne and we are continuing to develop this program of work.”

Recognition from the WGEA Director

“This year, I am particularly delighted to see some of the innovative and exciting initiatives by our EOCGE citation holders on such issues as flexibility, paid parental leave, supporting women in leadership and addressing gender pay gaps,” says WGEA Director, Libby Lyons.

“I congratulate all the 2017-18 citation holders for their commitment and recognition of benefits improved gender equality can bring to their business. These employers are setting the benchmark for other Australian workplaces to follow.”

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