Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) has been recognised with four Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Cygnet Awards, marking a significant milestone in its long-term commitment to creating a flexible, inclusive and high-performing STEM workforce.
These awards were achieved across 2024-26 and reflect a connected set of reforms that place flexibility, career sustainability and inclusivity at the centre of DSTG’s organisational culture, particularly for women navigating mid-career transitions in STEM.
Dr. Janin Bredehoeft, CEO of SAGE recognised this achievement: “Sustainable gender equity depends on visible leadership and cultural reinforcement. DSTG’s commitment to role-modelling, allyship and accountability sends a clear message that inclusion is core to how the organisation operates, not an optional extra.”
Designing work that supports people and performance
DSTG’s reforms have also delivered organisational benefits, including stronger talent pipelines, improved workforce resilience and increased engagement across genders.
In 2023, satisfaction with non-monetary conditions was at 85% for men and 83% for women, up from 45% and 65% respectively in 2019.
This work also addresses uneven uptake across the organisation and challenges assumptions about who flexibility is “for”. By encouraging greater use of part-time and job-share arrangements, particularly among men, DSTG is actively reducing stigma and redistributing care and flexibility more equitably.
As one staff member reflected: “[Flexible Work Arrangements] Allow staff to be the most productive and tailored to the needs of individuals so that each individual can perform at their best. It enables Defence, as an employer, to offer high degree flexibility to meet workplace priorities as well as helping staff achieve work outcomes while meeting the needs of a busy life.”
Shaping the future STEM workforce from the start and into leadership
Early career pathways are a critical part of DSTG’s long-term strategy. The organisation has taken a data-driven approach to improving gender representation in pre-entry and entry-level programs, setting clear targets, refining attraction and shortlisting processes, and monitoring diversity across the recruitment pipeline.
For women in mid-career STEM roles, a cohort historically at high risk of attrition data shows improved attraction and retention of experienced women. Representation of women in the mid to senior classification increased from 13.4% in 2018 to 23.4% in 2024.
DSTG has invested in mentoring, refined rotational opportunities and improved organisational understanding of why targeted programs matter.
This work acknowledges that traditional systems are not neutral, and that equity requires intentional design. By building leadership capability and addressing structural barriers, DSTG is giving women the support and confidence to step forward.
Embedding change for cultural transformation
Without an inclusive culture to sustain it, even the strongest systems risk drifting back to the status quo. At DSTG, deliberate investment in culture has helped ensure that gender equity reforms are embedded, not episodic.
Results from the 2025 Denison Culture Survey show that diversity and inclusion have become one of DSTG’s defining strengths, consistently rated as a highlight by both women and men.
For staff, this cultural shift has had tangible impact. Employees report that flexible, trusted ways of working have made it possible to remain in technically demanding roles while balancing caring responsibilities, health needs and leadership aspirations.
Despite some residual resistance, uneven approaches to flexible working, and lingering confusion about targets and merit, the trajectory is clear: meaningful progress is underway, with strong foundations in place for further improvement.
About the SAGE Cygnet Award
SAGE Cygnet Awards celebrate organisations that have demonstrated progress in making their workplaces more equitable by removing or reducing a barrier to inclusion. They must be able to show that these changes have had a real impact on staff and/or students.
You can read all about Defence Science Technology Groups actions, outcomes, and impact in their full Cygnet Award Applications and Progress and Impact Summaries linked here.
About SAGE
Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) is Australasia’s leading advocate and accrediting body for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the education and research sector. It is the guide our region’s brightest minds turn to when they want a vibrant workplace where everyone can thrive.
Using an evidence-based and impact-focused framework, SAGE helps institutions build systemic, structural, and cultural change. Their world-respected Athena Swan accreditation program drives and measures institutions’ progress against international benchmarks.
