At RMIT inclusion and integrity are core values that guide what we do and how we treat each other. RMIT understands the impact gender inequality has on our community and the experiences and outcomes of our students. The effects of gender inequality are present in all aspects of our lives. We must ensure our students are not limited by gender stereotypes, gender roles or prejudices and that everyone has equal opportunity to succeed. We must foster diverse participation, voice and perspectives in decision making and encourage innovative ways of thinking.
Through teaching, learning, research, and partnerships, RMIT is in a strong position to advance gender equality for students through:
- Shaping and equipping graduates, of all gender identities, with the capability to promote gender equity beyond RMIT, both socially and professionally.
- Promoting gender equality in practices, policies, and processes across RMIT Group.
- Influencing industry, community, and government policy though research.
- Using our position as a leader to advocate for gender equality.
The Student Gender Equity Action Plan 2023-2026 (SGEAP) aims to address key issues facing students who are female-identifying and/or female-expressing. These issues relate to addressing gender-based violence, limited gender roles including leadership roles and gender segregation in fields of study such as women in STEMM. It also aims to address the gender pay discrimination which reveals that women receive lower rewards from investing in their tertiary education than men, especially those completing postgraduate study.
The SGEAP aligns with aspirations of the RMIT's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Framework as well as RMIT’s long-standing commitment to addressing gender-based violence.
RMIT has a longstanding commitment to student gender equality which is embedded in its strategies, policies, programs, and practices. These include:
- Hosting a range of events and workshops throughout the year to build aspiration and understanding for under-represented genders.
- Women applying for programs in which RMIT has specified that women are under-represented are eligible for equity adjustments to their selection rank.
- 15 unique scholarships for women, and for women in STEMM, with 93 recipients in 2023.
- Gender affirmation guide and supporting policies.
- Gender equity embedded into student leadership and development programs, like the Big Industry Challenge in which gender equity was the 2022 theme.
- Building the student pipeline through outreach to secondary schools and industry.
- Developing gender-inclusive student recruitment marketing material.
- Delivering the nationally-recognised accredited course called Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence: A Vocational Education Offering.
- Providing childcare and parenting rooms for the children of staff and students.
- Providing free sanitary items for students.
- Having all gender toilets for people of all gender identities and expressions.
- Sponsoring an annual event delivered by the Women of Colour Melbourne Collective by providing an on-campus venue and staff support.
