White Ribbon Workplace Business Symposium
As one of the world’s first accredited White Ribbon Workplaces, Macquarie played host to our corporate neighbours to discuss the role workplaces can play in preventing and responding to the issue of violence against women and its impact on the workforce.

“Violence against women is estimated to cost more than $14 billon to the Australian economy every year,” said event organiser, Senior Equity and Diversity Officer Jo Hatton. “It’s the leading contributor to death, disability and illness in women aged 15 to 44. Almost two-thirds of the estimated 1.2 million women who have experienced domestic or family violence are in paid employment.”

Jo says that Macquarie is committed to being a leader in the prevention of violence against women and the promotion of respectful relationships in our workplace and community.

“The event was an opportunity to discuss and explore strategies that leading organisations are implementing in their workforces to respond proactively in this issue,” she said.

Panel members included Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, Chief of Navy; The Hon Robert McClelland, Director White Ribbon Australia; Ms Amy Luinstra – Senior Operations Officer, International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group); Mr Simon Earle – CEO, Maritime Employees Training Limited; Dr Anastasia Powell – Lecturer, Justice and Legal Studies, RMIT.

Attendees included representatives of Konica Minolta, CSIRO, Optus, Woolworths Liquor Group, Australian Hearing Services, The Australian Army, and Computer Sciences Corporation.

White Ribbon Workplace morning tea
On 25 November, staff from across campus met for morning tea to recognise and show their support of White Ribbon Day, and learn more about the introduction of the new White Ribbon Advocate program.

“The program forms part of our ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women,” said Jo. “A White Ribbon advocate gives expression to the campaign in their workplace.”

For more information about becoming a Macquarie White Ribbon Advocate contact Jo Hatton (jo.hatton@mq.edu.au) or call ext. 9703.

Read more about White Ribbon at Macquarie.

See photos from the day.

Celebrating women of Macquarie
More than 100 staff gathered to celebrate the achievements of Macquarie women and highlight gender equity throughout 2014 with a high-tea.

For event speaker Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity and Development) and Deputy Dean of Science Professor Lesley Hughes, it was an opportunity to share her personal story.

“I feel very privileged to have been an academic at Macquarie. As a parent of two children I have greatly appreciated the flexibility of my position, both in teaching and research, which has enabled me to blend a successful career with family responsibilities,” she said.

Professor Hughes says she is proud Macquarie has supported so many successful women who are leaders in their research fields.

“Despite the enormous growth in student numbers over the past decade, Macquarie has retained a ‘small town feel’, with an accessible and approachable Executive, and supportive structures. As a female academic, I think I am particularly sensitive to these aspects of campus life,” she said.