The Athena Swan Charter was established in the UK to encourage and recognise a commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research. The name is drawn from the two initiatives that established the Charter – the Athena Project and the Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN).
Timeline
2014
November
At a groundbreaking national workshop on gender equity, representatives from academic and research institutions across the country agree to pilot the Athena Swan Charter in Australia.
Funding is secured for the Pilot project through the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), individual sponsors, and subscription fees paid by participating institutions.
2015
May
SAGE issues its first call for institutions to join the SAGE Pilot.
September
SAGE launches Athena Swan in Australia at Parliament House – a modified charter to fit the Australian context, including a focus on diversity and inclusion beyond gender equity.
December
Under the National Innovation and Science Agenda, the Australian Government provides $2 million in funding to expand and evaluate the SAGE program.
2016
February
The first cohort of 20 institutions formally commence their journey to SAGE Athena Swan accreditation.
September
A further 20 institutions begin the SAGE Athena Swan process.
2017
April
SAGE commissions an independent evaluation of the SAGE Pilot.
July
The final group of participating institutions in the SAGE Pilot begin their accreditation journey.
2018
March
The first 20 institutions submit their applications for an Athena Swan Bronze Award.
December
15 institutions receive their Athena Swan Bronze Awards – an Australian first – at the inaugural SAGE Awards Dinner.
Findings from independent evaluation are published, affirming the effectiveness of the Athena Swan framework for achieving gender equity, diversity and inclusion in Australian institutions.
Read the precis report Putting Gender on your Agenda.
2019
March
16 institutions submit their applications for an Athena Swan Bronze Award.
July
The remaining Pilot participants submit applications for Athena Swan Bronze Award accreditation.
September
13 more institutions achieve Athena Swan Bronze Award accreditation.
2020
February
11 institutions, along with the 13 successful institutions announced in September 2019, formally accept their Athena Swan Bronze Awards at the 2020 SAGE Awards Dinner.
March
SAGE receives further funding of $1.8 million from the Australian Government, moving us closer to our goal of reaching the entire tertiary education and research sector.
June
SAGE launches the Cygnet Awards, providing a uniquely Australian pathway from the Athena Swan Bronze to Silver Awards.
November
Following the Pilot’s success, SAGE transitions from being a partnership between AAS and ATSE to becoming SAGE Ltd, a fully independent entity. Learn more about our governance and structure.
December
An independent evaluation of the SAGE peer review process supports its credibility and robustness while identifying reforms to enhance efficiencies.
Read the findings and SAGE response in the Hartley Report.
2021
March
SAGE welcomes two new institutions, the first to join post-Pilot.
2022
The first organisations achieve SAGE Cygnet Awards, recognising demonstrated progress in making their workplaces more equitable by reducing barriers to inclusion.
2023
November
The Athena Swan Australia Advisory Committee is established.
2024
February
SAGE university and MRI members report an average gender pay gap 11% and 9% below sector non-members.
August
SAGE secures $7.1m Australian Government funding to develop a new workplace equity program for research centres and TAFEs
September
University of Newcastle and Edith Cowan University become the first two members to achieve the Athena Swan Silver award, demonstrating they have advanced their delivery of system-wide action on GEDI.
2025
March
SAGE members report an average gender pay gap 31% below non-members.
Development commences on a new workplace equity program for research centres and TAFEs.
July
SAGE launches sector-first Guide to Anti-Racism in Higher Education and Research
August
Monash University becomes the first Group of Eight universities to receive Athena Swan Silver accreditation, a significant leadership milestone for gender equity and inclusion.
September
The 2025 SAGE Awards: Leaders, academics and GEDI practitioners are recognised for long-term contributions to cultural and structural change. Learn more about the winners here.
SAGE hosts the Breaking Silos Conference to celebrate 10 years.
2026
March
SAGE members report an average gender pay gap 37% below non-members.
June - August
SAGE holds symposiums for the TAFE and MRI sectors.
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