Organisational change Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) was both a strategic partner and a workplace ‘site’ for organisational change. The ‘whole-of-organisation’ approach, utilised multiple strategies designed to initiate change at multiple levels within Council from an individual, colleague and management level, and for multiple outcomes. The outcomes included change in staff knowledge and attitudes, formal policy and practices developments, and campaigns to influence culture and behaviour change. The activities undertaken have been essential in creating an equitable and respectful workplace and addressing gender inequality, which is deeply embedded in structural practices and processes across Australian organisations.
Education An education program was developed to equip Council staff with a deeper understanding of the gendered drivers of violence, and what can be done on an individual and societal level to prevent violence against women. It was designed not only as an education tool, but to prepare staff as ambassadors for change in the wider community, taking the learnings and principles from each module and applying them into their professional and personal lives. The topics include: • • • • • • •
Equality vs. equity Stereotyping and bias Casual sexism Respectful relationships Barriers to empowerment Active bystander actions Prevention of violence
The program has been delivered through hard copy fact sheets and online eLearning modules, which integrate into a Learning Management System (LMS) to encourage organisation wide uptake and completion.
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WA G G A WA G G A C I T Y C O U N C I L
EQUITY AND RESPECT WORKPLACE TOOLKIT