Institutions recognised for work to eliminate gender bias

Media Release

Thirteen Australian institutions have been recognised today for their efforts to improve gender equity and diversity, receiving Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Awards as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.

SAGE is a partnership between the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

The awardees, listed in alphabetical order, are:

·        Australian National University

·        Deakin University

·        Federation University

·        Flinders University

·        La Trobe University

·        Macquarie University

·        Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

·        South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute

·        The George Institute for Global Health

·        University of Queensland

·        University of South Australia

·        University of Sydney

·        Western Sydney University

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews congratulated members of the second cohort to achieve accreditation.

“Our Government is committed to increasing the number of women in STEM, and our universities and institutions must be at the forefront when it comes to setting an example,” Minister Andrews said.

“SAGE’s work is an important part of our Women in STEM Strategy and Women in STEM Decadal Plan and that’s why we included a further $1.8 million toward the SAGE initiative in the 2019-20 Budget.”

Executive Director, SAGE, Dr Wafa El-Adhami, said this is the second group of the 45-strong SAGE member institutions from the higher education and research (HER) sector to complete the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze process. 

“The Bronze Award recognises an institution’s work to set solid foundations for their journey to transformative change; it sets them on the course to Sliver and Gold awards,” Dr El-Adhami said.

“This follows the inaugural accreditation of 15 organisations in December last year, and I extend my sincere congratulations to all awardees for their commitment to gender equity in the higher education and research sector in Australia.”

Bond University, Burnet Institute, James Cook University and the University of Tasmania were also recognised for their progress to date towards Bronze Award accreditation and their continued commitment to SAGE.

Background Information on Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) - www.sciencegenderequity.org.au

The Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative was established to pilot the UK’s Athena SWAN Charter in Australia. Established in 2015, SAGE is a partnership between the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

Building on the success of the UK Athena Swan Charter, SAGE is adapting its accreditation framework for use in Australia in the STEMM Higher Education and Research sector.

Athena SWAN is a successful enabling mechanism for gender equity, providing a framework in which to plan and undertake concrete work to create structural and cultural change for gender equality. It addresses system and structural barriers, as well as culture that hinder participation and advancement of women and minority groups in organisations – making it an effective enabling mechanism for transformational change.

Quotes from the Australian Academy of Science:

Australian Academy of Science President, Professor John Shine AC FAA:

“Congratulations to the 13 organisations receiving the Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award. It is very pleasing to see how all of the organisations from the pilot of this program have continued to address gender bias and to develop an inclusive workplace culture.

“Australia is leading by example through piloting the Athena SWAN Charter program, ensuring that organisations prioritise inclusion and diversity and take practical actions to achieve this goal. Following the success of the Australian pilot and with the continued support of Australian Government, I am confident that SAGE will expand to meet the program’s target of reaching the entire high education and research sector.”

Australian Academy of Science Chief Executive, Anna-Maria Arabia:

“The Australian Academy of Science and the Academy of Technology and Engineering are proud to support the SAGE initiative, the only transformative gender equity program of its kind in Australia designed to achieve sustained cultural change via a national accreditation framework.

“I congratulate the Bronze accredited organisations for challenging themselves and the culture of their organisations using the Athena Swan Framework. I am thrilled that further Government funding is enabling SAGE to be adopted by more higher education and research institutions enabling sector-wide improvements to gender diversity and inclusion.”

Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering President, Professor Hugh Bradlow FTSE:

“It’s inspiring to see so many great Australian universities and research institutions committing to making meaningful, measurable and lasting change to their workplace culture.

“Diversity is not an optional extra – workplaces that reflect the wider community are both ethical and effective workplaces, tapping into the skills of their entire team.

“Congratulations to all members of this cohort of organisations receiving an Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award.”

Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering CEO, Dr Margaret Hartley FTSE:

“The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering is proud of its partnership with the Australian Academy of Science in the SAGE initiative, which is helping shift workplace culture in dozens of our higher education and research organisations.

“We are committed to enabling and supporting women to thrive, advance in their careers and be recognised at work.

“We are all better placed when people can contribute, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity.”