* CSU is exceeding the national average for key indicators in the latest WGEA gender equality scorecard

* Women comprise 55.4 per cent of CSU managers compared to 39.1 per cent nationally

* Women comprise 60 per cent of the University Council, compared to 25.8 per cent nationally

The release of the 2017-2018 Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) scorecard yesterday has highlighted Charles Sturt University’s significant progress, with the University exceeding key national averages for women in management.

CSU’s performance against data released yesterday in the WGEA report highlighted:

* Women comprise 55.4 per cent of CSU managers compared to the national average of 39.1 percent

* 63.6 per cent of CSU management appointments in 2017-2018 went to women compared to the national average of 43.3 per cent

* The proportion of women represented on the University Council is 60 per cent compared to the national average of 25.8 per cent

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann (pictured left) said the WGEA report highlights the significance of the University’s Workplace Gender Equity Strategy.

“Our commitment to implementing CSU’s Workplace Gender Equity Strategy has enabled the University to make meaningful progress in furthering equality, which is clearly reflected in the scorecard data.

“We are seeing the genuine benefits of supporting gender equality across the University and are committed to doing more to make sure we develop a workplace that is free of gender discrimination.”

CSU’s commitment to gender equality includes Professor Vann’s pledge to close gender pay gaps across the University.

“On International Women’s Day in March I become a WGEA Pay Equity Ambassador, along with other senior leaders and CEOs, to ensure women receive equal pay,” Professor Vann said.

“The latest results from WGEA indicate our capacity as a University to drive real change and we will continue this work through our gender equity initiatives and efforts to close the gender pay gap.”

CSU Manager Equity and Diversity Craig Hinley said the initiatives CSU has been focused on include recruitment, communication and staff training to address unconscious bias.

“From 2019 training will be rolled out, especially to senior management, across Charles Sturt University to understand and address unconscious gender bias in the workplace,” Mr Hinley said.

Charles Sturt University has applied to be recognised as a WGEA Employer of Choice (currently under consideration), a process that involves in-depth analysis and review of the University’s current environment around gender equality. The decision will be announced in February 2019.

“Charles Sturt University is doing a great deal in the gender equality space, and we continue to identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to turn them around,” Mr Hinley said.

CSU Project Manager Equity and Diversity Nicholas Steepe attended the WGEA presentation of the report and said it proved Australia was becoming a world leader on gender equality in the workplace.

“The presentation highlighted the action undertaken over the last five years since WGEA reporting was introduced. It also highlighted the areas that need to be improved such as embedding flexible work arrangements, and challenging myths and stereotypes associated with gender,” Mr Steepe said.