VU is employer of choice for gender equality

Victoria University is now a proud Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE). The prestigious citation was granted by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in recognition of VU’s successful application for 2018-2019.

VU was assessed on the following areas: leadership, accountability and focus, learning and development, gender remuneration gap, flexible working arrangements and initiatives aimed at supporting women and men including those with caring responsibilities, employee consultation, preventing sex-based harassment and discrimination and targets for improving gender equality outcomes.

The accreditation is valid for twelve months and the University may reapply annually to remain a WGEA EOCGE citation holder for the following year, on the basis it meets any newly introduced WGEA guidelines and continues to drive progress in critical areas.

Victoria University is committed to achieving gender equity as part of its Gender Equity Strategy. Chaired by Professor Peter Dawkins Vice-Chancellor, the Gender Equity Committee overseeing strategy recognises that gender equality creates better workplaces and stronger communities. The Committee meet regularly to ensure the progress of the strategy which is focussed on key areas, including reporting, leadership accountability, and representation of women in senior roles, and ensure that tangible outcomes are achieved.

Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor said:

“We are honoured to receive this citation as we continue to support staff development and implement programs to data reporting to advance women’s careers at VU.

From our successful Senior Women’s Shadowing program, the promotion of flexible work arrangements and supporting women returning from parental leave, we are committed to increasing the representation of women in senior roles, across all campuses.”

Dr Jennifer Sinclair, Diversity and Inclusion Manager said:

“The awarding of the Citation is a great recognition of the attention and effort the University has put in to improving gender equality.

It represents the culmination of two years’ work, putting in place processes and systems required to achieve the Citation. These processes and systems will help us do better in gender equality and enable us to monitor our progress.”

This important acknowledgement by the WGEA signals VU’s progress towards a shared vision of gender equality, an inclusive workforce where female staff can participate equally across all levels of the University.