At Murdoch, gender equity is a shared commitment and a strategic priority. This page highlights the collective efforts of our university community, working in partnership to advance gender equity through inclusive policies, practices, and culture. Guided by our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion sub-strategy, we focus on embedding gender-aware practices, removing structural barriers, and fostering a culture of respect and opportunity for people of all genders. Through collaboration, consultation, and continuous improvement, we aim to create lasting change.
What is gender equity?
Gender equity means making sure everyone, regardless of their gender, has fair access to opportunities, support, and resources. It recognises that people may face different challenges based on their gender and works to remove those barriers so everyone can succeed. At university, gender equity is about creating an environment where students and staff of all genders feel respected, included, and able to thrive in their studies, work, and campus life.
Connecting with Community
The Gender Equity Advisory Group meets quarterly to help shape and strengthen gender equity strategy and practice across the university. Guided by the EDI sub-strategy, the group provides input on university-wide initiatives, systems, and practices, offering feedback and insights to ensure they support inclusive and equitable outcomes. Through collaborative discussion and strategic advice, the group plays a key role in advancing gender equity across all levels of the institution.
How to get involved:
We welcome expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds and roles. To be involved or to find out more, email Beck Pinker, EDI Strategic Projects Coordinator for Gender Equity.
The Carers Network is a supportive space for staff with current or past caring responsibilities to connect, share experiences, and build community. It aims to promote inclusion and wellbeing by recognising the diverse experiences of carers and advocating for supportive workplace practices.
How to get involved:
If you would like to know more, please reach out to Beck Pinker or email EDI@murdoch.edu.au
As part of our commitment to the Athena SWAN Charter, the group works collaboratively to identify and address systemic barriers, support inclusive policy development, and promote a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Murdoch.
How to get involved:
If you're interested in contributing to this important work or learning more about our initiatives, please reach out to Dr Anna Pryor, EDI Strategic Projects Coordinator for SAGE Athena Swan.
Initiatives and projects
Our Women in the workplace webpage for staff, outlines key initiatives, policies, and resources that promote gender equity, support career development, and help remove barriers to participation and progression.
As part of our broader commitment to gender equality, we are proud members of CEOs for Gender Equity, a collective of business leaders committed to advancing gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Students: Murdoch University’s Access and Inclusion Service offers tailored support for students who are pregnant, helping them to continue their studies safely and comfortably. This may include academic adjustments, access plans, and physical accessibility support.
Staff: Staff who are pregnant can access support through our Parental Leave Toolkit, which outlines leave entitlements and planning tips. Flexible work options are also available. See our Flexible Working Arrangements for details on how to adjust your schedule to suit your needs.
To assist with easier access to classrooms and campus services, Murdoch also provides Easy Access Parking for pregnant students and employees.
Students: Students who care for someone with a disability can also access support through Murdoch’s Access and Inclusion Service. The service works with students to develop individual access plans that accommodate their caring responsibilities, ensuring they can fully participate in university life. This may include flexible arrangements and advice on navigating university systems.
To learn more or request support, visit the Accessibility Services page on myMurdoch.
Staff: We now have a dedicated Carers webpage outlining the support available for staff with caring responsibilities. Staff are also welcome to join the MU Carers Network, a space to connect, share resources, and advocate for carers, by emailing Beck Pinker, EDI Strategic Projects Coordinator for Gender Equity
Murdoch University fosters an inclusive and family-friendly campus environment. Parents and carers are welcome to bring their children to campus, with a range of child-friendly facilities across campus.
Parents and carers are welcome to bring their children to campus, with access to parenting facilities for feeding and changing, as well as a custom-designed parents’ room where adults can study or work alongside their children while they play. The campus also features childcare services, baby change rooms, and open spaces like Bush Court and the Banksia Woodland Reserve, which are perfect for play and exploration.
To ensure safety and inclusion, Murdoch has a Children in the Workplace Policy, which outlines guidelines for bringing children on campus. Children must remain under direct supervision and are restricted from hazardous areas such as laboratories and clinical spaces
During school holidays, families can take advantage of the Murdoch Active Kids Holiday Program, a multi-sport and activity-based program for children from Kindergarten to Year 6. Held on the Perth campus, the program offers a wide variety of engaging activities in a friendly and inclusive environment, providing a fun and active alternative to traditional out-of-school care.
For more information, visit Kids on Campus at Murdoch University.Murdoch University is proud to be part of SAGE Athena SWAN charter, a global initiative that promotes gender equity and inclusion in higher education and research. Through our participation, we are working to identify and address barriers to gender equity, support career progression for women and underrepresented groups, and foster a more inclusive academic culture.
Learn more about our commitment to gender equity through the Athena Swan framework by visiting our Athena Swan page. You can also explore our progress and actions in the Murdoch University Athena Swan Bronze Award application, published by SAGE.
Each year, we host a range of events to celebrate and showcase the achievements of women across our community. These include International Women’s Day, the Women in STEMM Research Symposium, the WISE Women Showcase, and 16 Days in WA.
To find out what’s coming up, visit:
