UWS named Employer of Choice for Gender Equality

The University of Western Sydney has once again been formally recognised for its longstanding efforts to achieve gender equality in the workplace.

UWS received an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation for 2014, which was awarded by the Federal Government's Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). The list of successful applicants was announced on November 12 by WGEA.
 
Only 76 organisations have met the stringent criteria of this prestigious new citation which replaces the previous EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation. It reflects the change in focus of legislation to promote and improve gender equality outcomes for both women and men, while recognising the historically disadvantaged position of women in the workplace.
 
In congratulating award recipients, Helen Conway, Director, Workplace Gender Equity Agency said: "Holders of the 2014 WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation can be distinguished by their commitment to "doing" rather than simply "talking". They are driving the lasting cultural and organisational change that is essential for any organisation committed to maximising the potential of women and men."
 
Gender equality is critical to an organisation's success, and is a baseline feature of well-managed and leading organisations.
 
UWS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, says the University is proud to once again be recognised as an organisation that has an inclusive workplace culture.
 
"The EOCGE citation is a significant affirmation of the University's ongoing efforts to create a fair and equitable workplace," Professor Glover says.
 
"UWS continues to introduce policies and procedures which create opportunities for all of our employees to progress and succeed in their careers. Gender equality contributes to our academic and professional undertakings, making us more innovative, more competitive and better able to generate new ideas and new ways of doing things in an increasingly globalised marketplace."
 
At UWS, sustained focus on gender equality and commitment to action has achieved impressive results.

In 2014:
* 50% of UWS Key Management Personnel and Executives are women
* 41% of all UWS Manager positions are held by women
* 41% of UWS Professors are women

A highlight of 2014 was the opening of a new 56-place purpose built childcare centre on Parramatta Campus bringing to six the number of UWS Child Care Centres. The Child Care Centres are on University owned land and are subsidised by the University in a number of ways including a subsidy for staff places. This is a major initiative supporting the participation of parents in the workforce.

Ends 

12 November 2015
Contact: Lyn Danninger, Media Officer