UNE has committed to join the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pathway to the Athena Swan program, a structured framework designed to improve gender equity and diversity in higher education and research. This step aligns UNE with national expectations for universities and strengthens our ability to attract and retain talented staff and students.
Athena Swan provides a clear process for assessing and addressing gender-based challenges across the institution. While there are already strong initiatives in place at UNE, the work is often spread across different areas with limited coordination. Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI) work is also typically done by people that belong to the groups most affected, often in volunteer or service capacity (with zero or very little funding). This commitment ensures that gender equity strategies are embedded within UNE’s operational framework, creating lasting change.
“We’re excited to improve equity and diversity at UNE and to make it a better place with equal opportunity for everyone to succeed,” said Athena Swan advocate Associate Professor Deb Bower.
UNE will start by working towards the Athena Swan Bronze Award, which recognises institutions that have identified gender equity challenges and developed a clear action plan to address them. From there, the University will aim for SAGE Cygnet Awards, which highlight progress in specific areas of equity and inclusion. Reaching five Cygnet Awards will make UNE eligible to apply for the Athena Swan Silver Award—a recognition of meaningful, long-term change and a strong, embedded culture of gender equity across the university.
In addition to its strong focus on gender equity, Athena Swan also takes an intersectional approach and champions the inclusion of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives in the whole process. By committing to the program, UNE ensures that gender equity work is adequately resourced rather than relying on voluntary contributions.
“It’s great to see leadership at UNE recognise the importance and power of a program like Athena Swan. I can’t wait to see where it takes us!” fellow advocate Associate Professor Marissa Betts said.
Initially, UNE will collect data and analyse it to establish baselines and the areas that we need to work on the most. Thereafter, we will design and implement strategies to improve targeted areas. Eventually, new data is collected and analysed to see if the strategies are working. This data will inform new plans and strategies as part of a continuous process of transparent and rigorous self-assessment.