June 3, 2021

UOW awarded for inclusion and diversity

University wins a Bronze for gender, sex and sexuality diversity

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has been named among the nation’s most inclusive employers for gender, sex and sexuality diversity, receiving a Bronze Award at the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) on Friday May 28 2021.

For the third consecutive year, UOW has been recognised as a bronze employer for its efforts in supporting its gender, sex and sexuality diverse community.

The AWEI is a rigorous and evidence-based benchmarking index that annually assesses workplaces in the progress and impact of LGBTQ inclusion initiatives. This year, the AWEI saw a record 186 organisations participate across Australia and received over 40,000 employee survey responses.

The University’s achievement reflects its strong policies and practices surrounding diversity and inclusion.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson said everyone in the UOW community and people all around the world have the right to live and work in environments free from discrimination and persecution.

“UOW is committed to providing a respectful workplace where everyone feels safe, valued and respected,” Professor Davidson said.

“Promoting diversity promotes engagement of people from different paths of life, but it is also important that we consider equity and inclusion in our communities.

“UOW respects and promotes a diverse, equitable and dynamic culture which not only makes our University strong but helps value our differences and celebrate those factors which unite us.”

“I am so thankful to our staff, students and community committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.”

The award highlights positive changes being implemented across the University and the progress that has been made to date. UOW has implemented policies, strategies and initiatives to best support and include staff and students who identify as gender, sex and sexuality diverse.

The University’s Gender Identity and Affirmation Guideline provides a framework on how to best support UOW staff, students and visitors whatever their gender identity, including those going through gender affirmation. It also contains information on uniform and dress, use of facilities and preferred names and pronouns.

ABOUT THE AWARD

Participating in the Australian Workplace Equality Index benchmarking instrument demonstrates a strong and ongoing commitment to gender, sex and sexuality diverse workplace inclusion. 2020 marked the start of a new three-year iteration of the Index, making it much harder for organisations to attain an award. UOW continues to go from strength to strength, as it scored significantly higher on the Index this year, compared with last year.

Employers that receive a Bronze Award are considered active in workplace inclusion for gender, sex and sexuality diversity, as compared to the national benchmark.

The rankings are based on evidence including survey results. The AWEI survey’s employees in participating organisations to set a comparative benchmark.

ABOUT THE ALLY NETWORK

The Ally Network at UOW is led by Dr Quah Ee Ling Sharon and its advisory committee members that bring together staff and students to improve awareness and advocate for the gender, sex and sexuality diverse community. The AWEI is managed by the Workforce Diversity Officer, Ms Kate Lindenau, in partnership with Dr Quah Ee Ling Sharon.

The network also organises a series of events throughout the year held at various campuses, which includes Chalk Rainbow, International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, and Wear it Purple. More information on the Ally Network can be found on the UOW webpage.