We are moving into an age of recognising gender equity both inside and outside of the binary and institutions which advance all people are becoming the norm. This was demonstrated recently when Southern Cross University was granted an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award presented by Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE).
The award recognises Southern Cross University’s commitment to advancing the careers of women, trans and gender diverse individuals in STEMM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine.
The award was received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Mary Spongberg at a Gala Dinner, held at the Adelaide Town Hall last Thursday.
Involvement in this program commits the University to a broad range of actions designed to build gender equity in STEMM and across the University.
The bronze award is confirmation that the University has demonstrated sufficient evidence that it not only understands the current state of gender equity, and the structures, systems and culture which contribute to gender equity in STEMM disciplines; but that it has a solid plan to implement positive change in this area over the next four years.
SCU providing a safe and respectful workplace
Professor Spongberg said the action plan commits Southern Cross to providing a safe and respectful workplace, flexible work arrangements and to developing our women researchers in STEMM and other disciplines. ‘Diversity is critical to innovation and as a DVCR (Deputy Vice Chancellor) it is very important to me to promote diversity in all our research activities.’
Vice Chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker, is a Male Champion of Change, and chairs the University’s newly-created Gender Equity Committee. He has introduced KPIs in this area for each of the Senior Executive.
Gender equity a top priority
Professor Shoemaker said there is no doubt that achieving gender equity is a top priority for the University. ‘We believe in it totally,’ he said. ‘I believe our strong participation in the Athena SWAN program will assist us to attract, retain and to advance our talented STEMM staff and students. Beyond the STEMM disciplines, we are equally sure that the initiative will embed cultural change which will enhance the development of the entire University.’
Professor Shoemaker said that finally they have actioned change across the University. ‘With the strong support of our HR colleagues – we have embedded new attitudes towards gender success in operational plans for each work unit.’
The project was led by many people across the University.
‘I want to particularly recognise Professor Anja Scheffers, Professor Mary Spongberg and our Director of HR Services, Ms Sharon Farquhar for their amazing contributions,’ said Professor Shoemaker.
The Athena SWAN Awards panel noted Southern Cross University’s commitment to considering gender equity outside of the binary, and the ongoing commitment to equity, and indeed gender equity, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Oh ! How terribly P.C.is the S.C.U. ?
Still, we all must do what we can to make women feel adequate, apparently.
Cheers G”)
I see Wathaurong Glass still using my designs,,
Equality? What is it? Men judge with a male bias. Women judge with a female bias.
I think God will have to tell us what it is. Equality is perfection and that means it does not exist.
The above photo has three females. Equality. Maybe all will be equal when all people are transexuals. Just a little jump to the left and a jump to the right.
How can we have equality when men and women of either gender are not complete without the other gender. The “other half” is so true because the brains of either gender are wired differently so one gender needs the other gender to be a complete whole person. They need to be a complete when there are two people in a relationship to produce a third person successfully, maturely in wisdom for the future, their child,
We are all equal as we are, but different. Equality does not mean that we think the same. look the same and spiritually feel the same. I surely do NOT want to think like you. I think like me.