RMIT University earns SAGE award for gender diversity

RMIT University has won the SAGE Cygnet Award for its work in promoting gender diversity, specifically in the STEM fields.

In 2019, RMIT STEM College’s executive leadership was made up entirely of men. It now has half of these positions filled by women. Since 2017, 60 per cent more women have been selected for senior STEM positions. Also, 19 per cent more women put their hands up for STEMM roles, and 36 per cent more got the job.

Professor Kay Latham, RMIT’s dean of STEM diversity and inclusion, commented on the achievement: “We are delighted to have achieved our first Cygnet Award, for RMIT to be recognised for its tireless commitment to gender equality and for achieving such growth in the representation of women in STEM at the University. We are one step closer to Silver!”

Professor Latham continued: “The award reaffirms that we are on the right path, that we continue our commitment as an inclusive, values-led employer through inclusive hiring practices, together with strategies to build and support the development of our current employees.”

This recognition is timely as the Australian government has announced the Diversity in STEM review. The goal is to create a more inclusive industry for STEM that includes listening and learning both internally and externally to make progress for women working in the field.

SAGE chief executive Dr Janin Bredehoeft discussed RMIT’s recognition: “The evidence from RMIT shows that we can increase diversity in STEM by taking a systemic change approach to recruitment. It’s a timely reminder, in light of the government’s upcoming Diversity in STEM review.”

“SAGE awards encourage organisations to evaluate and showcase their gender equity and diversity outcomes, which in turn helps others invest in actions that work. I’m very pleased to present RMIT with their first Cygnet Award – congratulations to the team on their phenomenal work,” said Dr Bredehoeft.

RMIT’s STEM gender diversity is one of many initiatives that have seen them recognised by SAGE. The university became an LGBTI Jobs-endorsed employer. RMIT also has a focus on inclusive language, gender-balanced candidate lists, and discussing pronouns during application.

As reported by HR Leader, Geoscience Australia was presented with SAGE’s Cygnet Award in December 2022 for their progress in creating an inclusive work environment. The Cygnet Award is one step closer to SAGE’s Athena Swan Silver Award.

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.