From Problem to Impact 

• During the Bronze assessment, UWA found its women researchers were consistently less likely to be profiled in the media, particularly in STEMM. Women’s research featured in only 25% of research-related media releases, compared with 64% for men (23% vs 70% in STEMM).
• General media releases also favoured men (43%) over women specifically (13%).
• Reliance on informal practices favoured men as visiting fellows: 82% of visiting research fellows to UWA’s Institute of Advanced Studies were men.

What actions did UWA deliver? 

• UWA launched a communications strategy to address women’s under-representation in internal and external media and expert roles, with Corporate Communications, Faculties, Schools and the Gender Equity Working Group partnering to proactively identify and profile women through media releases, podcasts and “staff spotlights.”
• UWA introduced a pledge in 2020, committing signatories to advocate for gender equity on panels at conferences and events.
• Visiting fellow processes for the Institute of Advanced Studies were formalised, including a selection committee, nomination process, selection criteria, gender equity targets (min. 40% women), and an engagement plan to promote the programs.