Women on campus

Flinders University is committed to achieving gender equity, diversity and inclusion and identifying and removing barriers to attraction, retention and progression for staff and students.

In recognition of our ongoing efforts, Flinders University has proudly achieved Institutional Bronze Accreditation and earned the five Cygnets required to apply for Silver Accreditation in the internationally recognised SAGE Athena Swan program.

While these accomplishments are significant milestones, they represent just one step in our ongoing journey to champion diversity and promote equal opportunities for all staff and students.

Menopause Friendly Workplace

First Australian university to be accredited as a "Menopause Friendly Workplace" through Menopause Friendly Australia.

First university to receive a SAGE Cygnet Award in recognition of our sector-leading efforts to raise visibility, reduce stigma, and strengthen workplace support for menopause.

Learn more about Menopause at Work at Flinders

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Parental and caring support

The importance of family and caring responsibilities is recognised, valued and supported at Flinders.

Our gender-neutral policies and support structures are designed to support staff to undertake individual family and caring needs, whilst continuing to be engaged in University life and thrive in their careers.

Find information on a range of parental supports and resources in the learn more link below.

Learn more

Elimination of violence against women

There is growing recognition around Australia and a groundswell of support for actions that recognise the prevalence and cost of violence against women and children.

Find out more information about the support structures offered by Flinders, in addition to types of violence and further resources.

Elimination of violence against women

Gender equality guidelines

Flinders University is committed to achieving gender equality in employment by identifying and addressing barriers to attraction, retention and career advancement for all genders.

The Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 has a focus on promoting and improving gender equality and outcomes for both women and men in the workplace.

Flinders University provides reports to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

Employees may make comments on the submitted report by contacting the Equal Opportunity team or to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

In March 2023 Parliament passed the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Act 2023. Introducing a range of enhancements to WGEA reporting requirements in subsequent reporting periods.

As a result of these changes, Flinders will, for the first time in the 2026 reporting period, be required to nominate three gender equality targets from a prescribed list and report progress against them over the following three-year period (2026 - 2029).

The following targets were selected to strengthen accountability and align to existing frameworks, including the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena SWAN Bronze Action Plan and Cygnet program (with Silver accreditation in progress) and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (2025):

1. Annual comprehensive gender pay gap analysis with reporting to Council

2. Reducing the gender pay gap by at least one percentage point (baseline: 8.5%)

3. Increasing uptake of parental leave by men (baseline: 4%)

While Flinders has made progress in reducing our gender pay gap over recent years, we acknowledge there is more work to be done. We remain committed to advancing gender equality and driving meaningful, sustained change.

To learn more about our Gender Pay Gap, how we compare within the industry, and our ongoing efforts to close the gap, please view our Employer Statement. Additional information is also available on the WGEA website.

Please do not hesitate to contact Katie Hazell, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, if you require any further information.