Flinders University has become the first South Australian university to be awarded five prestigious SAGE Cygnet awards, marking a significant milestone towards its Athena Swan Silver accreditation.
The SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity) Cygnet Awards recognise institutions that are making significant strides in improving equity, diversity and inclusion across policy, practice and culture.
The latest Cygnet recognises Flinders’ comprehensive, University-wide work undertaken to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct, strengthen trust in our reporting processes, and create safer and more respectful environments in which to work and study.
Survey data reflects this positive progress. Among Flinders staff, the proportion of women who agree that sex-based harassment is not tolerated increased from 86% in 2020 to 90% in 2024. For men, agreement increased from 90% in 2020 to 93% in 2024.
Key initiatives driving these positive outcomes include the strengthening of systemic drivers, building trust in reporting and response processes, and improving the visibility and access of supports.
The award also recognises Flinders’ sector-leading ‘Be a Better Human’ campaign – a student-led, whole-of-university initiative embedded within institutional frameworks for prevention, education and long-term cultural change.
“Achieving the goals of the Athena Swan Charter requires confronting the systemic barriers that undermine equity and inclusion,” said SAGE CEO Dr Janin Bredehoeft.
“Sexual misconduct is one such barrier—it violates dignity and safety while limiting participation and wellbeing across our institutions.
“We recognise Flinders University’s measurable progress in preventing and responding to this systemic barrier. Its disproportionate impact on women, gender-diverse individuals, and other equity groups underscores the need for decisive, sustained action to create safe and respectful environments for all.”
Flinders is now one of only eight Australian universities to have achieved five Cygnets, placing the University in the top quarter of SAGE member institutions. The fifth Cygnet follows recognition in 2025 for our sector-leading work in creating a menopause friendly workplace culture.
With five Cygnets now achieved, Flinders is eligible to apply for Athena Swan Silver accreditation, which includes establishing five key priority areas for future focus, defining longer term actions, and establishing the data and measures required to evidence its ongoing progress.
“Each Cygnet reflects rigorous assessment and evidence of meaningful institutional progress,” said Chief People Officer, Mark Schultz.
“These accomplishments reflect Flinders’ leadership and deep commitment to building an equitable and inclusive university community.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this significant achievement. Together, we are ensuring that inclusion is not only part of our values, but a lived experience for all.”
You can read Flinders University’s full Cygnet Award application here.