Professor Cobie Rudd has won a national award for extraordinary contributions to gender equity, diversity and inclusion.
ECU is proud to congratulate Professor Cobie Rudd, ECU's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures), on receiving the inaugural national Highly Commended Award for Outstanding Leader for extraordinary contributions to gender equity, diversity and inclusion.
The inaugural SAGE Awards mark 10 years of the Athena Swan Framework in Australia, honouring exceptional contributions to gender equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education and research – they also mark a decade of dedication for Professor Rudd. The Awards Dinner was held in Sydney on Monday, 25 August.
"This recognition is a testament to the dedication of everyone at ECU who has championed our Athena Swan journey," Professor Rudd said. "It's a collective achievement that reflects our University's deep commitment to creating a fair and inclusive environment for everyone."
Professor Rudd has led ECU's Athena Swan initiative from inception in 2015, achieving the Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2018. She spearheaded ECU becoming the first university in WA to achieve all five Athena Swan Cygnet Awards on the Silver Award pathway which culminated in achievement of Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award status in September 2024 - a national first.
"We've embraced Athena Swan because it's a data-driven, evidence-based approach that helps ensure fair and equitable workplace experiences for all," Professor Rudd said. "Gender balance not only drives innovation but also improves organisational performance.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this transformative journey."
In 2024 ECU achieved the world-recognised Athena Swan Silver Award for commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
