Proactive equity strategies have earned UQ an Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW) citation for the seventh consecutive year.
Released by the Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) in advance of International Women’s Day on March 8, the accreditation is held by fewer than 100 organisations nation wide.
UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Michael Keniger, whose portfolio includes equity matters, said the citation was a “stamp of approval” for ongoing work in the area.
“The University of Queensland actively supports and advances the needs of women workers, and this latest achievement acknowledges and affirms this commitment,” he said.
“We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and will continue to improve services and opportunities available to our female staff.”
Successful UQ equity initiatives include 26 weeks’ paid maternity leave after 12 months of service, flexible working arrangements and a range of scholarship, fellowship and return to work schemes.
Staff are also encouraged to access the Senior Women Seminar Series and the Edna program, which provides peer guidance on career and advancement issues.
Professor Keniger said the University was focused on boosting the number of women occupying top academic and administrative roles – one of the key priorities in the current UQ Equity and Diversity Plan.
UQ has held the EOFCW award since 2002, with the new citation valid until February next year.
Organisations whose policies and workplace culture supports and promotes women, and educates against discrimination are eligible to receive the endorsement, with 10 organisations in Queensland singled out this year.
The achievements and contributions of women and the wider UQ community will be the focus of this year’s Diversity Week celebrations, which take place from May 12 – 16 under the theme “The Spirit of Diversity”.
Media: Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
.jpg)
