As a result of two years of committed action on diversity and gender equity, Flinders University has been awarded Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation.
"This award is an important recognition but our ultimate goal is to achieve fairness of opportunity," Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says.
"Accordingly, we are launching a gender equity action plan focused on five primary objectives: supporting a gender and workplace culture that is inclusive and fair to staff of all genders, encouraging and supporting flexible and dynamic working, developing leaders through identification of talented staff representing diverse genders, pay equity, and celebrating achievement.
"Over the next four years the Athena SWAN framework will guide our progress on championing diversity and equality of opportunity," Professor Stirling says.
In September 2016 Flinders embarked upon its Athena SWAN project and committed to the ten-point Athena SWAN charter in its quest for bronze accreditation, as part of the second cohort of Australian institutions undertaking the rigorous assessment process.
"We have analysed our performance across areas such as gender diversity in our workforce, promotions, leadership opportunities and training, parenting support and leave, Indigenous employment, disability support, cultural and linguistic diversity, student diversity and more.
"We found areas in which we were making real advances but also areas where we can do better.
"Whilst attaining the award is a great recognition from peers in academia and research, it is the commitment to the journey of self-reflection, analysis and meaningful actions that is the ultimate and worthy cause.
"We are committed to equity and equality being an intrinsic part of the fabric of our University, and part of our daily lived experience," Professor Stirling says.
Delivered through the national body SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity), the initiative seeks to advance gender equality across academia - with a particular focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
