Title: Assessing the effectiveness of gender-based hiring policies in Australian public universities' workforce

Authors: Alberto Boretti

Addresses: Independent Scientist, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract: Evaluating policies based on outcomes, not intentions, is crucial. Some Australian universities have adopted gender-specific hiring policies, favouring female and gender-diverse candidates for certain positions. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of gender-specific hiring policies at Melbourne's four largest universities and to analyse the progress in achieving gender diversity, particularly focusing on the representation of self-described gender-diverse individuals. A study of Melbourne's four largest universities examines workforce disclosures to assess progress in achieving gender diversity. It shows nearly equal male and female executive representation, with no self-described executives. Female general staff outnumber males 1.5 to 1, and self-described staff increased marginally from 0.23% to 0.44% between December 2021 and 2022. Self-described individuals make up about 10% of Melbourne's potential workforce. While some roles may still lack gender balance, male underrepresentation and marginalisation of self-described individuals are also noted. Prioritising 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and gender balance with evidence-driven strategies is essential for fostering a just society and countering unchecked power accumulation and oppression. Australian universities must focus earnestly on these areas.

Keywords: gender equality; gender bias; higher education; Australian population.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2024.143668

International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability, 2024 Vol.5 No.2, pp.109 - 119

Received: 25 Apr 2024
Accepted: 12 Jul 2024
Published online: 03 Jan 2025 *

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