Curtin University’s commitment to gender equality has been acknowledged with the University named Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) for the third year in a row.
Curtin is one of more than 100 organisations to be awarded the citation by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
The citation is designed to encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the citation recognised Curtin’s continued focus and commitment to achieving gender equality in the workplace.
“The EOCGE citation addresses the structural and cultural barriers that prevent women and men from equally participating at all levels of an organisation,” Professor Terry said.
“Criteria for the citation covers 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.
“These criteria are regularly strengthened to reflect best practice and we are delighted that Curtin has been recognised for our sustained effort to embed equal employment opportunities in policy and practice.”
Professor Terry said strategies currently being implemented at Curtin included assisting portfolio managers to understand the gender pay profile, reviewing recruitment policy and processes, strengthening career development for female academic staff and encouraging female staff to apply for academic promotion.
“Promoting flexible work arrangements and practices that support staff with caring responsibilities will continue to be a focus for Curtin moving forward,” Professor Terry said.
“This ongoing commitment has resulted in increased participation by women in academic and professional roles across the University and we are now focusing on achieving gender equality at senior levels of the organisation.
“This ultimately benefits the University as we are able to attract, reward and retain staff who can make a valuable contribution to our organisation. Receiving this citation celebrates and confirms the inclusive culture of the University.”
WGEA Director Libby Lyons said despite progress towards gender equality in Australian workplaces, it was still too slow.
“It is only through more employers adopting leading practices to promote gender equality in the workplace that we will see the pace of change pick up,” Ms Lyons said.
“I congratulate 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.”
