Newcastle University a leader in gender equity

The University of Newcastle has been recognised as a leader in addressing inequality, becoming one of the first two universities in Australia to receive a Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena Swan Silver Award.

Athena Swan accreditation is the only internationally recognised framework for gender equity, diversity and inclusion and uses a rigorous, peer-reviewed process to assess an organisation’s progress and impact towards improving equity.

The award comes hot on the heels of news that the construction of the University’s world-class Gosford Campus continued to power ahead, with the ground floor slabs recently completed and preparations underway for development of the first floor.

University of Newcastle’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said universities should be leaders in creating a more equitable society where everyone could thrive regardless of their gender or their background.

“Soon after I commenced as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Newcastle, I had the pleasure of accepting the Athena Swan Bronze Award in December 2018,” Zelinsky said.

“It has been extremely pleasing to see the commitments we made at that time being realised and now recognised with Silver accreditation.

“We know there is still much to be done however, we are proud to be implementing changes that are creating an inclusive culture where equity is embedded across the university.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Excellence) and Athena Swan Lead Professor Jennifer Milam said in the context of broader national and international conversations about gender equality in society, the University was proud to partner with SAGE in advocating for everyone to make gender equity a priority.

“This accreditation is recognition that we are at the forefront of gender equity in the workforce,” Milam said.

“We know that central to attracting and retaining female staff is providing an inclusive culture and flexible workplace where women’s careers are genuinely supported and accountability for gender equity is embedded in leadership across the University.

“We know we’re a stronger and more successful University if we have a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“We have genuinely put action ahead of talk to remove barriers and ensure future generations of women and people from under-represented groups can thrive in higher education.”

SAGE CEO Dr Janin Bredehoeft congratulated the University on the achievement. 

“The University has shown what a huge difference it makes to have equity, diversity and inclusion embedded at the leadership level,” Bredehoeft said.

“They have established dedicated senior positions and ensured that the transformative change is well-resourced, with specific funding for research programs and quantitative data analysis.

“This has secured their foundations, allowed them to make significant improvements in specific areas and will support their future progression as they tackle widespread transformative change.

“Milestones of this magnitude are never reached alone: this SAGE Athena Swan Silver Award is the achievement of many.

“Congratulations to everyone at the University of Newcastle who drove and continues to drive their equity, diversity and inclusion work forward.”

Dr Ayanka Wijayawardena, originally from Sri Lanka, is a researcher at the University investigating the effects of PFAS on groundwater organisms, is a member of the Athena Swan Working Party.

Wijayawardena said the University’s Gender Equity Plan, under the auspices of Athena Swan has fundamentally changed the workplace by supporting women to take leadership roles in their disciplines and research centres, as well as locating childcare centres on campus.

“I’m a mum and my youngest child goes to the childcare centre on campus, which was really good for me,” she said.

“Having my child so close means that if an experiment takes a little longer I can stay until it’s finished and still have time to pick him up afterwards, without having to rush.

“I value things like that because they give me more flexibility to juggle work and my family.

“Looking to the future I can see that more women will be contributing to science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics fields.

“The university will benefit from empowering women and so will the students, staff and the next generation.”