The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute has been recognised as
an Employer of Choice for Women for a seventh year.
Murdoch Childrens is one of 95 organisations nation-wide
recognised by the Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women
in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) for supporting and advancing women
in the workplace.
"Murdoch Childrens is delighted to be an Employer of Choice for
Women for the seventh year," Director Professor Terry Dwyer
said.
"We are proud that 79 per cent of our employees are female, and
we are proud to have women in senior research and executive
roles.
"As a research institute concerned with the health and wellbeing
of children and families, providing a flexible work environment for
our female employees, many of whom are mothers, is imperative."
To be recognised as an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women,
employers are required to meet stringent criteria covering
workplace policies and practices including maternity leave, pay
equity and management opportunities.
More than half of management positions at Murdoch Children's are
held by women and more than two-thirds of new or promoted employees
are female. The Institute, which offers a full range of flexible
work options, had a 96 per cent return rate from maternity leave in
2009.
Amanda Wood (pictured) is among full-time employees taking
advantage of the Institute's flexible work arrangements to help
maintain a healthy work-life balance.
A mother of two, Amanda is involved in a number of
extracurricular activities including at her local child care centre
and Monash University, while holding down a management position as
the head of brain imaging research at Murdoch Childrens.
For more information about EOWA visit www.eowa.gov.au