Monash University has been awarded its fifth Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Cygnet Award, this time for enhancing the inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse staff.
The award recognises how Monash University's inclusive policies, supportive practices and educational initiatives improved the experiences and sense of belonging of transgender and gender diverse staff.
In July 2023, Monash introduced a new Gender Affirmation Leave, providing staff with up to 30 days' paid leave days to affirm their gender.
The University also developed 'Guidelines for a Workplace Gender Affirmation Plan', providing comprehensive support for transgender and gender-diverse staff. The guidelines include instructions on updating gender markers and names, as well as templates for communicating with supervisors, managers, and teams.
A dedicated point of contact within Monash HR's Staff Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team has been established for transgender and gender diverse staff and job applicants, recognising they face challenges that can be difficult to overcome without organisational support.
The University's "Show Your Pride March" which is held on Clayton campus each year has also emerged as a sector-leading example of how institutional commitment can mobilise the community in support of LGBTIQA+ inclusion. The annual marches are attended by hundreds of staff and students. Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, led the Monash Show Your Pride March in 2024.
SAGE CEO Dr Janin Bredehoeft congratulated Monash on its important work to remove barriers for trans and gender-diverse staff.
"I particularly want to note Monash University's inclusive policy development. This involved engaging with and consulting with transgender and gender diverse staff, and the recognition of the value of lived experiences in shaping best practice," Dr Bredehoeft said.
"Monash has made a real difference for trans and gender-diverse staff."
Professor Pickering thanked SAGE for the award.
"We are committed to building an environment where everyone feels safe, valued and respected, and where members of the LGBTIQA+ community are celebrated and can feel at home," Professor Pickering said.
"I know there is more to be done and I am determined to continue working deliberately and in consultation with our staff, students and communities, to achieve real and sustained change for our LGBTIQA+ community."
The number of gender diverse or non-binary staff at Monash increased from six in 2021 to 26 by mid-2024.
Anna Phillips, Monash University Chief People Officer, attributed this change to the removal of barriers for staff affirming their gender identity.
"This shows we are making progress in creating a supportive environment where staff feel comfortable expressing their gender identity," she said.
