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SAGE at Sydney

Creating opportunities for all

The Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) program works to change policies and practices at the University of Sydney to build a more inclusive environment for our staff and students.

SAGE is a ground-breaking initiative originally committed to promoting gender equity and diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Since launching SAGE at the University of Sydney in 2016, the program has evolved beyond its focus on gender and STEMM to address not only the under-representation of women but all diverse groups in our community.

Gender equity and diversity aren’t just a matter of social justice; they’re also vital for enhancing Australia’s global competitiveness in research and development. Championing equitable opportunities and outcomes for all genders and diverse voices is essential to harness the full potential of all perspectives, ideas, and capabilities.

Through the SAGE program, we take an evidence-based approach to address inequity by finding ways to change policies and practices to build a more inclusive environment.

We want to make sure that everyone can reach their educational and career goals by identifying and removing barriers that prevent this. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we aim to create an environment that fosters innovation, continuous improvement, and excellence.

What we do

SAGE involves staff and students who drive cultural change by:

Undertaking data analysis to identify systemic barriers and addressing them with rigorous and meaningful actions.
Mobilising leaders and staff to engage the University community in Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
Challenging the assumptions about what the ‘problem’ is and how to solve it.
Forming a network of change agents to enable progress toward a diverse and inclusive eco-system.

Achievements

Bronze Award: the University achieved the Bronze Institutional Athena Swan Award in 2019, a significant milestone recognising our commitment to addressing inequality.

Increased representation: the program has contributed to a rise of women in senior leadership positions and a decrease in the gender pay gap.

Career development: the program has facilitated improvements in policies and procedures for the recruitment and promotion of diverse groups, helping individuals reach their goals.

Greater flexibility: our members have led improvements in parental leave and flexible working arrangements, including the relaunch of the 2019 Childcare Strategy.

Plans for the future

Silver and Gold Awards: the SAGE team is working towards applying for the Silver Athena Swan Awards in 2025, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to advancing our Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda.
Sydney 2032 Strategy: we are exploring new avenues to support the broader University of Sydney strategy which identifies diversity and inclusion as a key pillar.

By championing gender equity and inclusion, we’re not only shaping the present but also laying the foundation for a more diverse and innovative landscape at the University of Sydney.

Our SAGE members

Associate Professor Roxanna Pebdani is a rehabilitation counselling specialist in the School of Health Sciences. "Over the years we’ve made some progress towards improving gender equity in many ways, which is important to recognise.  That said, there is still far to go – women, and particularly culturally and linguistically diverse women or women with other minoritised identities face significant barriers in academia that we must continue to address."

Dr Fernanda Penaloza is the Chair of Spanish and Latin American Studies in the School of Languages and Cultures. "Gender equity is a fundamental human right and is essential to creating a sustainable and just future for younger generations. Sadly, we still operate within patriarchal, colonial, body ableist and ageist paradigms that negatively impact women, trans, and gender-diverse people. This is why working alongside colleagues who are passionate about dismantling systemic and structural barriers is inspiring and empowering."

Gabriel Nyugen is a science communicator in the Faculty of Science and runs science programs for primary and high school students. "Seeing colleagues from diverse backgrounds struggle to get acceptance in their fields made me realise the importance of advancing gender, equity, and inclusion to ensure we don’t lose these fantastic and talented people who want to be in these spaces. I want to help people achieve their ambitions regardless of their identity; that’s what I want to see come from our work in SAGE."

Associate Professor Helen Paterson is a forensic psychologist in the School of Psychology. Her primary research focuses on the effects of traumatic events on memory and psychological well-being. "I am extremely passionate about diversity and inclusion, and I am committed to equal representation and opportunity for all. Gender equity and inclusion are important because it enables everyone to achieve their full potential. Embracing diverse perspectives fosters innovation, enriches collaboration, and ensures a just and equitable world."

Professor Anthony Masters is an inorganic chemistry specialist in the School of Chemistry. His research is devoted primarily to organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis. "Gender equity and inclusion are important as they form the basis of treating others with dignity and respect, which in so many ways, benefits self, others and the organisation."

Associate Professor Maree Milross is a physiotherapy specialist in the School of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on areas of sleep and respiratory/critical care medicine. "I would like to see society improve through better equity, diversity, and inclusion. I can contribute to this in my working life and, in the knowledge other organisations are doing similar, hope that the over the next decade we see and benefit from better inclusion of all, at all levels."

Dr Megan Osmond is the SAGE Program Manager in the Office of the Provost. "SAGE appeals to me because it embeds a consultative, collaborative, evidence-based approach to identifying opportunities to build a more equitable workplace. I was pleased when SAGE's remit expanded from women in STEMM to intersectional equity and inclusion for all staff and students. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion should have 'all boats rise together' outcomes when done right, because everyone thrives in inclusive and equitable workplaces."

Diversity and inclusion

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