Gender Equality! It's not just about women's rights

06 Feb 2007

Have your say in the development of the University's scheme

All members of staff are being invited to get involved in the development of the University's Gender Equality Scheme which is to be published in April.

Some of the issues which we would like to discuss are:

• Flexible Working
• Promotion
• Maternity/ Paternity Pay
• Training and Development
• Fixed Term Contracts

Associate Vice-President (Equality and Diversity), Professor Aneez Esmail said: "This isn't just about issues relating to women in the workplace, everyone has a gender whether male, female or transgender. Gender equality is the concern of everyone, that's why we want everyone to have a say."

The Scheme will be looking at all the functions across the University and seeing how they affect people in relation to their gender. The University will be thinking about the policies it develops and the services it delivers with the different needs of women and men in mind so it relates to all staff not just certain groups.

Instead of depending on individuals making complaints about discrimination, the University will be able to proactively identify and address issues related to such things as recruitment and flexible working, ensuring all employees are treated fairly regardless of gender.

The development and publication of this scheme are part of a series of specific duties that have been placed on the University and all other public authorities under the gender equality duty.

The Equal Opportunities Commission has suggested that 'the gender equality duty is the biggest change in sex equality law in 30 years'.

The University intends to take positive steps to achieve equality in the workplace and the Equality and Diversity team will be working with all directorates and faculties to implement the actions that will be identified.

Professor Esmail added: "The University is committed to gender equality, aiming to go beyond mere compliance with legislation so that all staff and students are able to achieve their full potential.  People frequently say changing the culture of an organisation is difficult and takes time, it does.  This is your opportunity to work with us to identify barriers and enablers, and help drive forward that culture change".

The team would like as many staff as possible to get involved in shaping the Scheme and there are a few ways to do this:

• Fill in this short online survey.
• Become part of the staff Gender Network Group, this could involve coming to a meeting or being part of our mailing and consultation list.
• The team will also be contacting a number of function areas to arrange to come out in February / March to discuss the scheme and the survey.

Anyone who would like a visit or who would like any further details about getting involved should contact:

• The Equality and Diversity team at equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk or 0161 306 5857 or Mincom 0161 306 5870)