RMIT retains gender equality citation

RMIT achieved gender parity on its governing Council, in the Vice-Chancellor’s executive team and among the executive leadership group, and has 40.6% of senior leadership roles now held by women – an increase from 35.7% in 2017.

Acknowledging the efforts of RMIT staff who had continued to make a difference, Vice-Chancellor and President Martin Bean CBE said he was “incredibly proud” that RMIT had received the citation again.

“The recognition is the outcome of our shared resolve to be a leader in driving change where change is needed,” he said.

Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Director Libby Lyons said the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation provided a rigorous and sophisticated roadmap to guide employers along the path.

“Every employer committed to gender equality embarks upon their own unique journey towards achieving the equal participation by women and men in their workplace,” she said.

“What unites them is their determination and commitment to achieving workplace gender equality.”

RMIT was among 140 recipients of the citation this year, thanks to continued progress against the commitments laid out in its Gender Equality Action Plan, including committed leadership, inclusive employment strategies and supporting career advancement for staff.

RMIT’s progress demonstrated its ongoing commitment to maintaining best practice and setting the bar for the sector.

Lyons said the citation holders set the benchmark for other Australian workplaces.

“I congratulate all of these organisations for being agents of change, leading the way forward for other Australian employers to follow.” 

The Vice-Chancellor said RMIT would continue to use this momentum and “make a difference as a true role model of gender equality for our community”.

“We’ve worked hard to achieve this citation, but we’ve got more to do,” he said.

“Equal opportunity is an absolute – so until there are no exceptions, no pockets of inequality or small oversights remaining, the task of change still lies ahead and it’s ours to shape.”

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For interviews and general RMIT media enquiries: 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au. 

About EOCG

• The EOCGE citation is a voluntary leading practice recognition program that is separate to compliance with the Act and is designed to promote an active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.
• Designed to encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces, criteria for the citation includes leadership, learning and development, gender remuneration gaps, flexible working and other initiatives to support family responsibilities, prevention of sex-based harassment and discrimination, and targets for improving gender equality outcomes.

About RMIT

• Founded in 1887, RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 87,000 students and 11,000 staff globally.
• RMIT offers postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education and online programs to provide students with a variety of work-relevant pathways.
• RMIT was awarded Gold Employer status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) in 2018 in recognition of its commitment to a diverse genders, sexes and sexualities community.
• Through its ‘Changing the Course’ framework, RMIT has continued its focus on building a community where every student and staff member feels safe, respected, valued and treated equally.