Murdoch’s application for Bronze Athena SWAN accreditation was submitted for assessment on 31 July. This involved feedback from hundreds of staff through focus groups, workshops and surveys, as well as multiple business areas contributing to extensive data analysis.  The resulting application provides a comprehensive picture of gender equity and diversity at the University and a staff led action plan to start addressing the gaps.  Results will be announced in late 2019.

Irrespective of the outcome, Murdoch has committed to implementing the 4-Year Athena SWAN Action Plan, with some activities already under way.

One of the activities already completed is the creation of a Parents’ Room where you and your child/ren can play and study/work together in an enclosed environment. The room is located in The Base (under the Student Hub) and includes a sink, microwave, boiling water tap, fridge, power points and a small selection of shared toys and books. There is also a separate private space for feeding.

The Parents’ Room currently provides four workstations for hot-desk BYOD usage, with plans for additional networked workstations to be installed in the near future. Baby change tables and nappy disposal units are available in nearby male and female toilets.  Access is available to all staff and students using their ID cards. Location: Building 430 (Student Hub), Level 1, Room 430.1.007.

Under the Students of Change (SCALT) initiative, Murdoch student PuiMun Lee has created a new Murdoch Parents Network and staff are encouraged to share this information with student parents who have young children.

Plans are underway for a second Parents’ Room to be centrally located in the near future, with a longer term crèche project in the pipeline.

A copy of the Athena SWAN Bronze application will be publicly available shortly after the results are announced. In the meantime, staff can review the 4-Year Athena SWAN Action Plan here.