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Commitment to Equality and Diversity

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Gender equality

As the only Australian university named after a woman, Edith Dircksey Cowan, ECU is deeply committed to advancing gender equality as both an educator and employer. We recognise the critical role universities play in shaping a relevant, responsive, and future-focused workforce capable of addressing complex global challenges. By identifying and removing barriers faced by aspiring researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, we strive to create an environment where all individuals can achieve their full potential. Advancing gender equality is not only a matter of fundamental human rights; it also strengthens organisational sustainability and contributes to national and global social and economic prosperity.

ECU's Strategic Plan 2026-2031: Connecting to make a difference provides a clear roadmap for the University's future, centred on educational innovation, impactful research, meaningful partnerships, and a thriving, inclusive community. The plan is guided by seven ambitious strategic goals that underpin the University's priorities and aspirations. These interconnected goals reflect ECU's commitment to thinking differently and acting decisively to maximise its impact. Woven throughout the plan are strategic threads that embody ECU's unique identity and purpose, ensuring that every initiative and action reinforces the values that define the University. Gender equality and inclusion are integral to achieving these goals and to realising ECU's vision of creating positive and lasting change.

Athena Swan at ECU

ECU is committed to advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion through Athena Swan, the internationally recognised framework that supports evidence-based and data-driven organisational change. By embedding Athena Swan principles across the University, ECU is able to measure progress, identify barriers to equity, and benchmark its performance against leading institutions nationally and internationally.

The University recognises that workplace experiences and opportunities are not always equitable and that systemic barriers can affect career progression and participation. Research consistently shows that diverse and inclusive organisations are stronger, more innovative and better positioned to achieve positive outcomes for their communities.

ECU has demonstrated sector-leading commitment through its achievement of all five Athena Swan Cygnet Awards and was the first university in Western Australia to attain this milestone. This sustained progress contributed to ECU achieving the prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising significant and measurable advances in gender equity and inclusion.

Today, ECU continues to build on this foundation through ongoing action, accountability and continuous improvement, reinforcing its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and learning environment where all staff and students can thrive.

Athena Swan in action at ECU

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About

The accreditation framework is based on ten key principles which commit to creating gender inclusive workplaces.

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Development Hub

We offer targeted support and professional development opportunities that can allow you to grow and develop your career.

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Our stories

Learn about how various members of our community pursue their studies and careers at ECU in both academic and professional capacities.

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Athena Swan Charter

The Charter is based on ten key principles that guide tertiary education and research institutions for gender equity, diversity and inclusion.

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Gender equity

At ECU we are deeply passionate and committed to achieving gender equality as an educator and employer.

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Workplace Gender Equity Agency (WGEA)

ECU is required to report annually to Federal Government on its policies and strategies that promote gender equality.

Cygnets

Following strict benchmarking and peer review by Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), ECU was the very first institution in Australia to achieve a Cygnet Award in August 2022 and now has achieved all required five Cygnet awards from SAGE – the highest number available.

The awards measure and validate efforts by institutions to reduce and remove barriers to gender equity, diversity and inclusion. ECU is the first institution in WA to reach this milestone.

Read more about Cygnet Awards

Athena Swan Network

The ECU Self-Assessment Team (SAT) consisted of a diverse cross-section of staff who played a core role in building the University's applications for the Athena Swan Institutional Awards to date. Changes to the ECU Committee structure are underway and more information will be provided in due course.

Parenting resources

ECU currently has seven ECU Athena Swan parenting rooms at the Joondalup, City Campus and South West campuses which have all achieved a 5-star rating from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

ECU also has dedicated Athena Swan parking bays for staff and students with parenting drop-off and/or carer responsibilities.

Bays are clearly marked in purple with signage that shows the ECU and Athena Swan member logo.

More about Athena Swan parenting rooms

News

ECU recognised among Australia’s leaders in closing the gender pay gap

Edith Cowan University (ECU), one of only five Australian universities to hold an Athena Swan Silver Award and the only one in Western Australia, is being recognised as a national leader in gender equity, with SAGE data showing Silver Award holders have some of the lowest gender pay gaps in the tertiary education and research sector.

Celebrating Trailblazers: ECU’s proud history with WA Women’s Hall of Fame

The WA Women’s Hall of Fame Exhibition at ECU’s Joondalup Campus celebrates Edith Cowan’s legacy and the achievements of distinguished women connected to Western Australia and Edith Cowan University who have driven lasting social change.

ECU's focussed action on gender equality delivers top 10 ranking for gender pay gap

Edith Cowan University is leading Western Australia's universities with the lowest gender pay gap.

ECU attends conference aimed at propelling next decade of gender equity in higher education

ECU’s Program Manager, Athena SWAN – Michelle McVicker and School of Education and Director of Centre for People, Place and Planet, Professor Mindy Blaise attended the annual Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Conference in Sydney across August 26-27, 2025. The event coincided with the inaugural SAGE Awards Dinner, celebrating 10 years of the Athena SWAN Framework in Australia.
View all News and Events

Our Athena Swan journey

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ECU achieves world-recognised Athena Swan Silver Award for commitment to gender equality diversity and inclusion
DVC (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd and VC Professor Steve Chapman

ECU first WA university to receive five Cygnet Awards for gender equity
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Breaking Barriers: ECU earns prestigious Cygnet Award again for dedication to women in STEMM
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd

Celebrating a decade of achievements in gender equity: Professor Cobie Rudd receives leadership award

Contact us

Want to know more about gender equality at ECU? We would love to hear from you.

Please get in touch with us by emailing athenaswanaustralia@ecu.edu.au or call +61 8 6304 3410.

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