Women in the workplace

Overall, more women than men are employed at the University of Sydney. The University has a range of programs and strategies in place to support and promote the careers of female staff. As an Employer of Choice for Women, it has a demonstrated commitment to proactively addressing issues of equity in employment such as the gender pay gap and representation of women in senior leadership roles. Family-friendly policies are regularly reviewed to continue to improve workplace diversity.

Fellowships for female academics

Watch this video about Equity Fellowships. Read more.

Work and family flexibility

The University provides a range of leave and flexible working arrangements in order to attract and retain staff members and foster inclusiveness in terms of gender, age, disability, economic status and culture.

Welcome to Women orientation

The University runs a ‘Welcome to Women’ orientation program, providing information particularly relevant to new female staff to complement the more general orientation program. Listen to the presentation

Revised Academic Promotions Policy

The Academic Promotions Policy has been revised to ensure that applicant achievements are able to be more easily assessed relative to opportunity. It has been recognised that factors such as part-time/fractional employment, significant parenting or other caring responsibilities, or clinical responsibilities, may affect employment opportunity. Promotions committees need to assess achievements in the context of the applicant’s opportunity (in most instances, fewer opportunities) to undertake tasks relative to other members of staff at an equivalent level. Find out more

The WiSci Project - careers in science

The Division of Natural Sciences' Women in Science Project aims to encourage more women into senior academic roles and support women to achieve satisfying and productive careers in science.

Developing Women Leaders

‘Women, work and career: Ms Gabrielle Whelan, ICT Director, Research and Education Services in conversation with Dr Maree Murray, Assistant Director, Staff and Student Equal Opportunity Unit.

The specifically targeted Developing Women Leaders suite of programs fosters the professional development of women who aspire to, or are in, leadership or management roles at the University. It includes guest speakers sharing their career highlights and how they have negotiated barriers to female achievement. Find out more

Negotiating and influencing skills for senior staff

In response to feedback from senior female staff, the University has organised a professional development program for women on negotiating and influencing skills. The initiative forms part of a broader address seeking to further the more equitable representation of women at the University.