Acknowledgement of Country
The Department of Education (the department) acknowledges and pays respects to Elders and all Victorian Aboriginal communities. We honour and respect Traditional Owners, past and present, and value the rich culture and history of the First Peoples of this land.
Message from the Secretary
I am pleased to release the department’s Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-25. The plan sets out our commitment to ensuring a gender diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace that focuses on the equity and wellbeing of all staff, so that our workforce is empowered and effective. It reflects our commitment to leading the right kind of change for our staff which in turn benefits the broader Victorian community.
The Plan forms part of our response to the Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic) – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen workplace gender equality and shift attitudes, behaviours, and gender equality outcomes for all Victorians.
The plan is clear that everyone has a part to play in continuing to improve our culture, and that there are many things that each of us can do every day to contribute to this.
As we implement the plan we will challenge stereotypes and barriers to ensure staff can enjoy fulfilling careers in the department and our schools, free from gender barriers. We want all our staff and particularly our leaders, modelling inclusion, flexible working, and equality, and this plan sets out a range of complimentary activities to support this.
As one of the largest employers in the state, we have a significant opportunity to become an employer of choice, and a leader in workplace gender equality and workplace inclusion.
The development of the plan involved extensive research and consultation across the department. I thank everyone involved for sharing their experiences and ideas. I’m excited to start implementing the action plan with you, to achieve gender equity for all.
Jenny Atta, Secretary, Department of Education
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