Strengthening institutional systems for gender equality

Preventing and responding to gender-based violence requires coordinated systems that promote safety, accountability and gender equality. In 2025, Charles Sturt strengthened its whole-of-organisation approach by progressing a Prevention and Response Plan alongside a Gender Equality Action Plan.

This work was designed to align with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence and to build consistent, evidence-based capability across the university. A key initiative was the development of an Outcomes Framework to measure performance against the Code’s standards and demonstrate how reforms translate into improved safety and wellbeing

outcomes for staff and students. The Plans emphasised accountable governance, safe environments and systems, and an uplift in organisational knowledge and capability.

In the same year, Charles Sturt was awarded two Athena Swan Silver Cygnets for enhancing gender equality in the Academic Promotions Process and redesigning the Workplace Assessment and Adjustment Process. Together, these initiatives strengthen operational foundations for safer, more equitable workplace and learning environments.