The Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter has launched a new gender equity program aimed at promoting and supporting equitable workplaces within the architecture profession.
The new Champions of Change charter, created by the NSW Chapter’s Gender Equity Taskforce (GET), sets out key outcomes for actively advancing gender equity in areas of leadership, composition, pay, advocacy, influence as well as for creating diverse, flexible and consultative workplaces.
Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick attended the launch along with Peter Bailey, CEO of Arup Australasia, and Dr Naomi Stead, Dr Karen Burns and Justine Clark of Parlour to discuss the state of gender equity in architecture and the role of leadership in driving change.
The launch of the charter brought together leaders from some of Australia’s largest architecture firms, who have committed to advancing more equitable and flexible workplace practices within their organisations. The first signatories to the charter include:
- Joe Aguis, director, Cox Richardson
- Ray Brown, managing director, Architectus
- Gerard Corcaran, CEO, Hassell
- Bill Dowzer, principal, BVN
- Troy Uleman, director, PTW
- Philip Vivian, director, Bates Smart
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Gary Power, senior associate and regional management stream leader, Woods Bagot
Research has shown that more diverse companies are better at attracting top talent and have better rates of staff satisfaction and retention.