Gender Equity and Inclusion

Curtin University’s values and the Curtin 2030 Strategic Plan focus on cultivating an inclusive culture and working environment for our staff and students. Our work is to embed gender and inclusion principles through initiatives which support our diverse workforce and our student cohort to reach their full potential.

Our vision is to position Curtin as a leader in gender equity and inclusion. Our mission is to build and nurture inclusive, socially just, culturally responsive and safe values driven communities within the University. We take action to eliminate gender-based discrimination and identify and challenge cultural, social and institutional norms and barriers to achieving gender equity.

We take an intersectional and person-centred approach to our work. We privilege lived experience and honour the voices of the Curtin community. We support responsive and transparent decision-making to lay groundwork for an equitable, inclusive and sustainable University in which all people feel safe and respected and can thrive.

We value and respect the stories, traditions and living cultures of all people on the Curtin University campuses. We acknowledge the First Nations Peoples of the lands which form Curtin’s global footprint. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded lands on which Curtin Boorloo (Perth) is situated, the Whadjuk Noongar People, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Meet the team

The Gender Equity and Inclusion team supports and facilitates University initiatives which aim to establish Curtin as a leader in gender equity and inclusion.

Headshot of AP Samantha Owen

Associate Professor Samantha Owen

Associate Professor Samantha Owen is the Director, Gender Equity and Inclusion (Academic Lead) at Curtin.

Headshot of Elizabeth Baca, Program Coordinator, Gender Equity and Inclusion

Ms Elizabeth Baca

Elizabeth Baca is the Program Coordinator, Gender Equity and Inclusion at Curtin University.

Gender Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group

Curtin recognises that championing gender equity and inclusion and implementing gender equity and inclusion initiatives is intrinsic to the work we do and to the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, the Gender Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group (GEIAG) was established as an advisory group of the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee (DIBC).

Gender Equity and Inclusion pillars and objectives

Our approach to gender equity and inclusion informs the pillars of our gender equity and inclusion strategic overview and directs the range of initiatives that support intersectional gender equity across our campuses. For more information, see our GEI Strategic Overview.

Graphic of a table containing the gender equity and inclusion pillars and their objectives. Under the pillar of Leadership & Career Pathways the objective is to Attract and retain a diverse talent pool and ensure equitable career progression and development opportunities. Ensure gender balanced leadership and implement reflective leadership models. Under the pillar of Flexibility and Care, the objective is to Foster flexible and inclusive working and learning environments which support and value all staff and students and nurture their potential. Under the pillar of Respect and Safety, the objective is to Nurture safe and inclusive environments in which all members of the university can thrive. Value lived experience of all staff and students. Under the pillar of Governance, the objective is to Institute governance and reporting structures which embed gender equity and inclusion. Demonstrate commitment to gender equity and inclusion through inclusive and transparent communication and initiatives.
Close up of hands typing on a laptop keyboard overlaid with a transparent statistical bar chart

Closing the Gender Pay Gap

A person with long braided hair sits on a couch working on a laptop and writing in a notebook. A young child is sitting on the floor playing on a tablet beside them.

Academic Carer Support Scheme

Artwork featuring dot painted flowers and animals with words painted in between them. Some of the words include Yorga, culture, sister, Elders, heart, and respect.

Yorga Djenna Bidi

Three people sitting around a desk, holding pencils and working on documents together.

Program to support Early Academic Careers (PEAC)

Flowering wattle bush on Curtin's Bentley campus

Women Attaining Leadership (WATTLE) Program

View of people sitting in auditorium seating from above.

The Panel Pledge

Two people sit at a table in a sunny spot and talk and work together on a laptop

Provost Fellows Program

Alison Taylor sits on a bench, smiling off to the side

Alison Taylor Single Mum Scholarship

Valerie Ah Chee, Yorgas Barloonginy, 2021, acrylic on canvas.

Moorditj Yorga Scholarship Program

Associated initiatives

News

Athena Swan

Closing the Gender Pay Gap

Gender Research Network

Peer Networking for Promotion

Academic Carer Support Scheme

Yorga Djenna Bidi

Program Coordinator, Gender Equity and Inclusion

Director, Gender Equity and Inclusion (Academic Lead)

GEIAG Membership

Global Reference Group

News

Athena Swan

Closing the Gender Pay Gap

Gender Research Network

Peer Networking for Promotion

Academic Carer Support Scheme

Yorga Djenna Bidi

Program Coordinator, Gender Equity and Inclusion

Director, Gender Equity and Inclusion (Academic Lead)

GEIAG Membership

Global Reference Group