Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) awarded La Trobe a Cygnet Award this month in recognition of the University’s measurable progress in equity, diversity and inclusion.
SAGE awards use the internationally recognised Athena Swan program framework for gender equity. This Cygnet Award builds on La Trobe’s existing Athena Swan Bronze accreditation, which the University achieved in 2019, and its first Cygnet Award in 2023.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the award reflected the University’s work to address key barriers to attraction, retention and career progression for women and gender-diverse staff.
“Embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across the University is fundamental to who we are at La Trobe, reflecting our mission and cultural values,” Professor Farrell said.
"We have a roadmap to apply for the remaining three SAGE Cygnet Awards, which will guide us in measuring our progress in addressing systemic barriers faced by staff at the University, and to promote a positive and supportive workplace.”
SAGE CEO Dr Janin Bredehoeft said La Trobe University’s newest Cygnet Award demonstrated a deep commitment to creating a more equitable, inclusive workplace for parents and carers.
“I would like to particularly highlight La Trobe’s determination to embed structural supports for parents and carers by introducing new entitlements in the 2023 Enterprise Agreement,” Dr Bredehoeft said.
“This is the kind of systemic change that will make a long-term impact.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Jessica Vanderlelie said the latest Cygnet Award reaffirmed La Trobe’s commitment to equal opportunities for all staff.
“This Cygnet Award underscores the significant improvements in the support provided to parents and carers by the University,” Professor Vanderlelie said.
La Trobe intends to apply for three additional SAGE Cygnet Awards in the remaining key priority areas of recruitment, women in STEM and LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
Once an organisation has successfully achieved five SAGE Cygnet Awards, they are then eligible to apply for an Athena Swan Silver Accreditation Award – an award that recognises and rewards organisational maturity in gender equity, diversity and inclusion.
About SAGE
SAGE is Australasia’s leading advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the education and research sector.
Using an evidence-based and impact-focussed framework, SAGE helps institutions build systemic, structural and cultural change. The world-respected Athena Swan accreditation program drives and measures progress against international benchmarks.
About the Cygnet Awards
SAGE Cygnet Awards are earned by organisations that have progressed towards greater outcomes and impact in overcoming a key barrier to equity.
