Got a question or need more information? We're here to help.
Inclusion in practice
We believe in shaping a community that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, with higher education, employment and research accessible to everyone. We’re committed to achieving equity, fostering inclusion and celebrating the diversity of our community.
Advancing gender equity
Deakin aspires to be Australia's premier university in achieving equal representation, recognition, reward and value of staff – irrespective of gender. Gender equity is embedded in our core values and creates a balanced and diverse workforce with better decision-making, innovation and job satisfaction. We stand to challenge inequalities around gender equity to ensure it becomes both a business and cultural norm.
The Gender Equity Action Plan (2022–2025), represents Deakin’s commitment to improving employment outcomes for women and gender diverse people, addressing gender and other inequities that impact staff development, career progression and job satisfaction. Through this plan we aim to:
- reduce the organisational pay gap to 9%
- increase the diversity and representation of women and gender diverse people in senior roles
- promote respectful behaviours and raise awareness and understanding of the link between gender inequality and violence against women
- strengthen a culture of belonging, safety, respect and inclusion.
Download the Gender Equity Action Plan 2022–2025 (PDF, 1.3MB)
Training opportunities
The Equity and Inclusion division offers training to students and staff in the form of interactive workshops, role-based learning, guest lectures and online modules. Topics include bystander intervention, how to support people who have experienced family violence or sexual harm, LGBTIQA+ inclusion and allyship, building cultural intelligence, developing disability confidence, gender equity, unlearning conscious bias, and inclusive language. Role-based training includes safe and respectful supervision, harassment and discrimination officer training.
Transforming gender equality
At Deakin we encourage and promote gender equity in the workplace. In 2019 we received the prestigious SAGE Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of our work transforming gender equality within the higher education and research sector, and our initiatives to advance the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).
LGBTIQA+ inclusion
Deakin is a thriving, progressive, respectful and inclusive university. Together, we recognise and value the rich diversity of our students and staff, including members of our community who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer or questioning their gender or sexuality.
We acknowledge and celebrate LGBTIQA+ days of significance to embrace our LGBTIQA+ community and the diversity they bring Deakin. We hold many events throughout the year to increase visibility, engagement and bring people together.
Download the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion and Engagement Plan 2024–2026 (PDF, 1.3MB)
Fostering connections
Deakin Pride (Burwood) and Deakin Geelong Queer Collective offer a place for LGBTIQA+ students and allies to unite and participate in events and programs that break down inequality barriers. Our Deakin LGBTIQA+ Pride Network is a member-led network, designed to provide community, social support and a safe and welcoming space for LGBTIQA+ staff, students and allies.
Providing support
There’s always support available. We offer support to Deakin’s LGBTIQA+ community through a range of internal health and wellbeing services – including support for staff and students who are affirming or seeking to affirm their gender. The University recognises the need for additional leave for staff undertaking gender affirmation and offers up to 30 days paid leave.
Disability inclusion
Our disability support services are designed to promote inclusion and access; to assist students and staff to fully thrive when studying or working at Deakin.
Our Disability Action Plan 2026–2030 guides our approach to disability inclusion across the University, and aims to advance inclusion and accessibility across all facets of University life. This plan sets out a clear vision for creating an environment where students and staff with disability can thrive, and are supported by equitable systems, inclusive practices, and a culture of belonging.
If you have disability, physical or mental health conditions, or primary carer responsibilities that may affect your studies, our Disability Resource Centre is available to adjust, recommend and provide services that will help you with your needs.
Download the Disability Action Plan 2026–2030 (PDF, 327.6KB)
