UON continues to lead in gender equity
The University of Newcastle (UON) has again been recognised as a leader in driving workplace equity, achieving a citation as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for the third consecutive year.
With just over 100 organisations and only 15 universities receiving the recognition Australia-wide in 2016, the citation demonstrates UON’s commitment to building a rewarding, stimulating and supportive place to work for its staff members.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said UON is committed to being at the frontline of positive change in the workplace and this recognition is reflected in the organisation’s significant progress.
“This citation acknowledges the work we have undertaken to enhance gender equity across UON, including the Academic Women in Leadership Program and the embedding of flexible working arrangements for all new parents and staff with caring responsibilities.”
“We have also made progress in achieving gender balance in our leadership groups and professional staff, and strategies are in place to increase the gender balance in our academic cohort.”
“While our University is making good progress, we must ensure we continue to prioritise initiatives that support the achievement of gender parity at all levels,” said Professor McMillen.
In addition, UON is also reaching the half-way point of a two-year pilot of the Athena SWAN charter designed to achieve gender equity in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) disciplines. The pilot is being run by Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), an initiative of the Australian Academy of Science.
Criteria for the EOCGE citation cover leadership, learning and development, gender remuneration gaps, flexible working and other initiatives to support family responsibilities, employee consultation, preventing sex-based harassment and discrimination, and targets for improving gender equality outcomes. Criteria are regularly strengthened to reflect best practice.
WGEA Director Libby Lyons congratulated all the 2016 citation holders for their commitment and recognition of the strong business case for gender equality.
“I hope to see continued growth in this community of leading practice employers."
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.