The Department of Defence has been recognised for its efforts to improve gender equity within its ranks, winning the Athena Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN) Institutional Bronze Award at the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAFE) Awards.
Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds commended the Department for its dedication to developing an inclusive and equitable workplace.
“Addressing gender equity and diversity strengthens an organisation’s intellectual capital, and its capacity for problem-solving and innovation,” Senator Reynolds said.
“This means better outcomes for people and business, and the long-term success of an organisation,” she said.
“It is not only the right thing for us to do in Defence – it is the smart thing for us to do.”
She said the SWAN Award has been presented to the Department’s Defence Science and Technology Group, acknowledging its commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and medicine in higher education and research.
“This award demonstrates the priority and value Defence places on gender and talent diversity in STEM disciplines, and our commitment to ensuring that this is what drives us as we continue to grow our impressive STEM workforce,” Senator Reynolds said.
She said the bronze-level certification recognised that an institution had demonstrated a good understanding of the current status of gender equity and was well-positioned to address inequities.
Senator Reynolds said 13 institutions across Australia had received Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Awards as part of the SAGE initiative.
