Employer of choice for women

For the third year in a row, the University of Adelaide has been named an Employer of Choice for Women.

The University was one of only six employers in the State recognised as actively "working for women".

The Employer of Choice for Women citation is awarded annually by the Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA). The citation recognises employers that are supportive of women through policies and practices that have a positive outcome for women and for the organisation as a whole.

"The University of Adelaide aims to provide a quality working environment that understands and promotes women's needs," said the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha.

"To be named an Employer of Choice for Women for the third year in a row shows that we are moving in the right direction. It shows that the University is a leader in providing professional opportunities for women, and that we are at the forefront of gender, equity and diversity practices among employers in this State."

To be named an Employer of Choice for Women also showed a commitment to continual improvement on gender, equity and diversity issues, Professor McWha said.

"Our Gender, Equity and Diversity Committee continues to play an active role in helping to shape the University's policies and practices for the benefit of our staff and the University community as a whole," he said.

The University of Adelaide supports and promotes many flexible work practices, including:

• 26 weeks paid maternity leave, with the option to take up to two years of leave in total;
  
• A 12-week 'bonus' option within the 26 weeks of paid maternity leave;
  
• Special guidelines for staff who need to take care of children.

For more information about Equity and Diversity at the University of Adelaide, visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/equity/

Story by David Ellis