June 26, 2019

Rare trifecta of awards to UOW

UOW one of only three Australian universities to win major equality and inclusion awards

When it comes to gender equality and LGBTI inclusion, the University of Wollongong (UOW) has been punching above its weight.

In recent months, UOW has enhanced its reputation as one of the nation’s leading workplaces for gender equality and LGBTI inclusion, winning three major awards.

UOW is the only university in NSW and one of three Australian universities to hold an Athena SWAN award, the Federal Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation and an Australian Workplace Equality Index Award for LGBTI inclusion.

In May, UOW was named among the nation’s most inclusive employers for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff, achieving bronze recognition at the AWEI inclusion awards. In February, the Federal Government recognised UOW as one of the best workplaces in Australia for gender equality. In December 2018, UOW won the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze award for its commitment to gender equality in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE said the recognition from three respected industry evaluators reflected the University’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion, for both academic and professional staff.

“UOW is delighted to have received a trifecta of prestigious awards and to be recognised as a leading employer,” Professor Wellings said.

“While being acknowledged for gender equality and LGBTI inclusion is a great achievement, there is more progress to be made. We must continue to build on our values of creating a gender diverse and inclusive workplace.”

UOW has implemented and actively promotes policies, strategies, and initiatives to enhance gender equality, including flexible work arrangements, generous paid parental leave, on-campus childcare facilities, mentoring workshops, and targeted development programs. Likewise, UOW has implemented policies, strategies and initiatives to support and include staff and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex. 

*Photo caption: Professor Julie Steele speaking at an International Women's Day event.