The University of Wollongong (UOW) values and acknowledges the importance of its people’s diverse experiences, talents and cultures, and is committed to workplace equality, diversity and inclusion.

Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of attracting and retaining talent in UOW’s workforce. The creation of a diverse and inclusive workforce is central to its ability to unlock potential and enhance success.

UOW has been recognised as Employer of Choice Gender Equality by the Federal Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). UOW is also one of the first universities in Australia to take part in the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE/Athena Swan) pilot program to help further the careers of academic women in the disciplines of science, technology, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).

UOW is proud to count some of the world’s best female scientists, businesswomen, and academics as part of its community. Female academics at UOW are working on a diverse range of projects that are critical to Australia’s future, including finding cures for cancer and dementia, saving the Great Barrier Reef, campaigning for public policy change to curb childhood obesity and encouraging more women to take up careers in engineering.

UOW recognises that bolstering gender equality is not just a social justice issue – it also represents smart business management. Diversity and equality initiatives have had a positive impact on business performance, staff retention and UOW’s employer brand and reputation.

Gender equality and diversity is a key priority for the University and it has built the challenge of embracing diversity and dissolving barriers into its governance structure. UOW’s Workforce Diversity Reference Group (WDRG) continually reviews and recommends enhancements to equity and diversity policies.

Prestigious award for commitmentThe University of Wollongong was one of the first universities in Australia to have received the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Institution Award, which recognises the University’s commitment to gender equality in STEMM.

The award was presented in December 2018 and recognises an institution’s commitment to advancing the careers of women, trans and gender-diverse individuals in STEMM disciplines.

As part of the Athena SWAN Program, UOW commits to upholding 10 principles of gender equality, including commitment to preventing the loss of women across the career pipeline, tackling the gender pay gap, addressing the negative consequences of short-term contracts and stamping out discrimination against transgender staff.

As a large organisation with more than 2,300 staff, UOW understands the value of celebrating diversity and integrating inclusive practices into all areas of employee engagement including recruitment, learning and development, and leadership.

UOW has implemented a number of policies, strategies and initiatives to further enhance gender equality, including mentoring workshops, targeted development programs, flexible work arrangements (such as part time and job sharing), generous paid parental leave and on-campus childcare facilities.

A national leader in gender equalityIn 2018, UOW is recognised as one of the best workplaces in Australia for gender equality.

To be recognised as a WGEA “Employer of Choice”, employers are required to meet stringent criteria each year involving areas such as paid parental leave, flexible working and other initiatives to support family responsibilities, leadership, gender remuneration gaps, and targets for improving gender equality outcomes.

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Gender equality and diversity

UOW has a proud history and reputation for gender equality and diversity. We welcome the opportunity to work with government and industry partners to deliver exceptional outcomes.

UOW is committed to addressing gender pay equity and dissolving barriers to the selection, advancement and opportunities for people of all genders in the workplace. The University has a wide range of strategies and initiatives in place to achieve gender equality, including generous paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, mentoring workshops, targeted development programs and on-campus childcare facilities.

An inclusive workplaceUOW supports and welcomes sexual and gender diversity and strives to provide an inclusive workplace.

UOW is proud of its vibrant Ally Network, which consists of a dynamic group of staff and students dedicated to ensuring the values of mutual respect and collegiality. This network offers events and regular sessions throughout the year aimed at building awareness of LGBTIQ+ issues and provides a place for the community to come together and share their stories. The Ally Network continues to grow in membership, and the network continues its customary activities throughout the year, including the Rainbow Crossing and Wear it Purple Day.

UOW is building stronger ties with Pride in Diversity, which is the nationally-recognised body for LGBTIQ+ employer support. It is also an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) participant.

Meantime, the new program Inclusive Leadership, Making Better Decisions was introduced to the diversity and inclusion development offerings, with more than 100 participants undergoing training in 2017.

Indigenous employmentUOW is committed to providing a workplace where Indigenous peoples’ culture, beliefs and knowledge is embraced and embedded, with opportunities for career development and promotion widely encouraged.

UOW’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy has initiatives in place to significantly increase the quality of Indigenous employment and is also committed to providing pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff to optimise their career aspirations and build the capacity to drive the University’s future.

A number of strategies have been developed to ensure UOW’s ongoing commitment is culturally appropriate and attracts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from diverse communities both local and national. An Aboriginal Employment Strategy Officer works to increase the number of Aboriginal employees, while an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Online Cultural Awareness program Share Our Pride is also part of the staff development calendar.

Celebrating Women of ImpactInspired by the SAGE/Athena SWAN Program, the University launched the University of Wollongong Women of Impact initiative in 2016 to promote and profile the University’s outstanding academic women and their achievements.

The initiative aims to recognise and encourage female academics undertaking research of major importance, who are making a significant contribution to advancing knowledge, are demonstrating success in teaching and learning, and/or who act as mentors and role models for others.

A Women of Impact publication was produced as part of the initiative. Profiled academics were nominated by colleagues and peers from the UOW community, with 41 then selected for inclusion in the publication by a selection panel.

Meantime, UOW’s Leadership Program for Senior Academic Women won at the 2018 Australian Institute of Training and Development Awards.

The UOW program won the Women in Leadership Development category.

This category is for organisations who can demonstrate best practice in developing and delivering an effective leadership development program, targeted to women who are aspiring to be leaders or are in executive level positions.

The program aims to enhance the pipeline of female academic leadership by assisting academic women to gain personal insight into their leadership values, motivation and skills to enable them to choose more effectively what leadership roles they will focus on now and in the future.

The 10-month program focuses on creating a positive emotional environment, utilising a strengths and values based approach.

This highly successful program is a key initiative identified as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot.

UOW’s “Linking Women” event series includes functions throughout the year to welcome new senior female staff and UOW also hosts the annual International Women’s Day event.

CAPABILITY STATEMENT Gender equality and diversity

Supporting female entrepreneursThe iAccelerate Centre at UOW’s Innovation Campus is supporting start-ups, fostering growth and innovation in established companies, and providing a pathway for researchers to commercialise their ideas.

The business incubator and accelerator is proudly contributing to UOW’s gender equality strategy. The Centre’s gender balance remains nearly double that of the industry average, with 44 per cent of female founders and co-founders participating.

Operating in a male-dominated sector, iAccelerate is committed to creating opportunities and removing barriers for equal participation for women in all sectors of entrepreneurial endeavours.

iAccelerate is actively engaged in delivering gender balance within the innovation ecosystem by forming support networks for women and lowering the financial barriers to investment.

iAccelerate runs a Women’s Breakfast Series, a female scholarship program, a Kids Entrepreneur program and has lowered the minimum investment required for female wholesale investors to enter the iAccelerate Seed Fund.

Disability inclusionIn 2017, UOW became the first university campus in Australia to have dedicated directional mapping for wheelchair users, to make moving around campus easier and safer for people with a disability.

Each year, the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards ceremony includes the Rosemary Cooper award, which recognises the achievement of a staff member who has overcome significant personal barriers in their career or a staff member who has made a significant contribution in supporting staff or students to overcome such barriers. Throughout 2017, 14 workplace adjustments were conducted for university staff utilising the Federal Government’s Job Access program.

Respect, safety on campusesUOW is fully supporting the aims of the “Respect. Now. Always.” campaign and is dedicated to a continuous process of raising awareness, providing support and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff.

UOW places the highest priority on providing a safe study, living and working environment. Sexual assault and sexual harassment matters are dealt with under a ‘support first’ model and individuals are encouraged to report any incident to UOW for investigation.

UOW offers a range of free programs for staff and students, including: Mental Health First Aid (includes violence prevention and consent training); Step Up Bystander Intervention; International Student Programs; Consent Matters; Responsibilities, Rights and Respect; In Residence programs; UOW Wellbeing; EO On-line; and Fullstop Foundation’s Leadership Training.

One year on from UOW’s participation in Respect. Now. Always., the University announced “Respect is …” The campaign is aimed at defining what respect means to UOW staff and students and features at each of UOW’s domestic campuses.

The campaign was launched at an event at Wollongong Campus where Chief Administrate Officer Melva Crouch CSM unveiled an interactive cube that invites staff, students and visitors to write what respect means to them. The submissions will inform the broader campaign aimed at continuing the conversation about the importance of a culture of respect for everyone.

CAPABILITY STATEMENT Gender equality and diversity

CONTACT:

Canio Fierravanti Director Government Relations University of Wollongong

Ph: 02 4221 5931 E: caniof@uow.edu.au

uow.edu.au

The University of Wollongong attempts to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production (December 2018); however, sections may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. Check with the University for any updated information. UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG CRICOS: 00102E