Gender equity at the university
The University of Melbourne aspires to be a place where all people are valued and respected, have equal access to opportunities and are encouraged to fulfil their talents and potential.
The University is committed to advancing gender equality by recognising and addressing barriers in structures and practices that result in exclusion or discrimination. By removing and reducing these barriers, we move toward our vision set out in the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2030 for a ‘thriving, fair and diverse University community working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world.’
The University recognises that gender inequality may be compounded by other forms of discrimination that a person may experience on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and other attributes. We recognise that while there is a lack of research examining Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women’s workplace experiences, existing information suggests that they face compounded forms of discrimination.
The University is committed to considering the diverse experiences, identities and backgrounds of the university community when developing and implementing gender equity initiatives.
The University has inter-related actions plans and initiatives including the Gender Equality Action Plan, Respect at Melbourne, and Athena Swan Accreditation Program, under the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2030.
Staff who are looking for guidance for parents and carers, such as leave entitlements, flexible work arrangements and career interruptions, can visit Staff Hub (university staff access only).
This Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) will support the advancement and embedding of diversity and inclusion principles at the University to create enduring and widespread cultural change. It does this with a particular focus on gender equality. The GEAP reflects upon our systems, structures, attitudes and behaviours, and, having done so, offers strategies and measures (i.e. actions) to strengthen access, inclusion and equity for staff of all genders.
The University of Melbourne is proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award for our commitment to improve gender equity and diversity. The Athena Swan Accreditation program is administered by Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and focuses on research and higher education institutions. The award recognises that the University has established a strong foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive workplace for staff of all genders and has created an action plan to build upon opportunities and address identified challenges.
View the Athena Swan Bronze Award application
The University has received its first SAGE Cygnet Award for work addressing sexual misconduct (2024), and its second for improving gender equity in academic promotion (2026). Universities and research institutions must already have achieved an Athena Swan Bronze Status to apply for Cygnet Awards, and once they achieve five Cygnet Awards, they are eligible for Silver Status.
View the Cygnet Award (Addressing sexual misconduct) application
Accreditation and reporting
Gender Equality Act
The University publicly reports on progress towards workplace gender equality every two years to the Commission for Gender Equality Victoria in the Public Sector. For the 2023 progress report the University was assessed as compliant.
In February 2024, the University submitted a progress report on the reporting period 2021-2023. It included:
- Gender Impact Assessments
- Progress against actions in the Gender Equality Action Plan
- Progress against the Commission's seven gender equality indicators.
Download the University's progress report submission
The University also submitted a workplace gender audit, which included de-identified workplace data and survey data. The results can be viewed from 16 December 2024 on the Commission's Insight Portal.
If you have any questions regarding this report please contact diversity-inclusion@unimelb.edu.au
Workplace Gender Equality Agency Reporting
The University reports annually to the federal Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), in compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.
Programs and activities
Academic Women in Leadership (AWiL) Program
An intensive development opportunity, targeting academic women who have the potential and intention to progress to senior leadership and decision-making positions in the University. The program has been run successfully since 1997.
Learn more about the Academic Women in Leadership (AWiL) Program (staff login required)
Affirmative action recruitment strategy
In 2016, the University of Melbourne was the first university in Australia to advertise affirmative-action continuing academic positions to address low female representation in key STEMM schools.
Pathway to Politics
Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.
Through comprehensive practical training, workshops, mentoring and career-long support, Pathways to Politics provides unparalleled expertise for women who are serious about driving change through political leadership.
Athena Swan Supporting Talent and Enabling Progression (STEP)
A tailored mentoring program for Level C academics who identify as women or non-binary and are considering applying for promotion.
Learn more about Athena Swan Supporting Talent and Enabling Progression (STEP) (staff login required)
The Athena Swan STEP mentoring program explained
Discover the value of mentorships in achieving gender equality
Respect: Taking action on sexual misconduct
The University of Melbourne is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct, and promoting safety for students, staff and visitors. Where sexual misconduct does occur, we aim to provide a supportive and trauma-informed response that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors.
The University’s Respect Hub provides information for students and staff on how to seek support or make a report about sexual misconduct on campus, as well as outlining mandatory awareness training for staff and students, and other resources.