Charles Sturt University (CSU) has released its Workplace Gender Equity Strategy 2018-2022, re-affirming its commitment to gender equity and an inclusive workplace culture.
As a large regional employer and a leader in the community, CSU has a clear role to play in driving momentum toward an equal workplace.
CSU Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the strategy was a continuation of the University’s strong track record in valuing and supporting gender equity.
“I am proud to release the Workplace Gender Equity Strategy 2018-2022. It is a strong step toward breaking down barriers and ensuring our culture rewards merit and fosters careers free of gender discrimination,” Professor Vann said.
“The University is committed to leading gender equity in our sector and the regions in which our campuses are located.”
Professor Vann said key to developing the strategy was ensuring it is specifically linked to CSU’s overall business strategy, aligned to CSU’s values of inclusive, insightful, impactful and inspiring and backed by clear action and accountability.
“The strategy outlines CSU’s approach to identifying unconscious bias and delivering inclusivity training across key management personnel,” Professor Vann said.
“Our managers will in turn be responsible for implementing this across their teams to drive changes in behaviour.”
To develop the strategy, CSU drew on a core working group made up of academic and professional staff. The working group discussed ways to address gender workplace inequalities, the gender pay gap, flexible employment, unconscious bias, communication transparency, visibility and advocacy.
Professor Vann said the University would be accountable for the strategy and would be providing regular updates to staff that will track progress and keep gender equity top of mind.
The Workplace Gender Equity Strategy will be used across the University to guide its gender equity initiatives.
One such initiative has been the adoption of the SAGE Athena SWAN pilot program, which encourages more women into the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM).
The program, accredited by Science in Australia Gender Equity, raises awareness of gender equity and diversity issues in STEMM within the research sector. CSU has submitted its application for the SAGE Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award which is currently under review.
Professor Vann added CSU took its position within the community seriously and would use it to advocate and promote gender equality both within the University and in the community by marking significant equity days.
The introduction of the Workplace Gender Equity Strategy further reaffirms Professor Vann’s commitment to gender equality and reflects Professor Vann’s role as a Pay Equity Ambassador.
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