Induction and Staff Development
At the University of South Australia we are working towards creating a positive environment in which women can develop their potential and have the opportunity to compete for leadership positions. This is being achieved through ongoing success in affirmative action planning. The University of South Australia was established in 1991 and adopted a strong commitment to equity and affirmative action. In 1993 it was the first university to appoint a Pro Vice Chancellor (Equity). The University has gained considerable recognition both internally and externally for its affirmative action program and in particular its Women and Leadership Program. Since 2003 the University has been awarded EOWA Employer of Choice for women status annually.
The Women and Leadership program is open to all women staff of the University of South Australia regardless of their current position or employment status. The philosophy is further reflected in the goal of the program — to change the gendered culture of the University of South Australia towards including and valuing women's contribution. It is envisaged that this can be achieved through
The Women and Leadership program has provided opportunities for participants to understand the structure of the University and the successes and challenges faced by other women. It has also provided an environment to break down some of the barriers which exist between employees of the University; barriers of status as well as isolation. Women of many different levels and work areas attend workshops and seminers together.
While the benefits to the University include concrete outcomes such as enhanced skills and knowledge the less tangible outcomes include providing an environment which may help staff to feel valued and to allow them to make valuable contributions. The outcomes of the program have included personal and professional development for women across all levels and areas of the University.
The program has been positively accepted by the University community and in the current climate of stringency receives internal funding. The Equal Opportunity Unit developed and administered the inaugural year of the Women and Leadership program in 1996, for which it received the Vice Chancellor's Award for General Staff Excellence. The program is now coordinated by the Organisational Learning, Equity and Development team in the Human Resources Unit.
