UOWD showcases actions on equity and diversity

Saturday, 19 March, 2022

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) celebrated in January 2022, an important forum to celebrate the great work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) championed by the University DEI Committee in the workplace. The meeting was held in UOWD’s new campus in Dubai in the presence of Prof Patricia Davidson, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Wollongong (UOW), and Ms Marisa Mastroianni, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of UOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE). 

Members of the DEI committee presented a summary of the rich schedule of activities and engagement with staff despite the ongoing COVID pandemic. The DEI committee is strongly focused in the future on the University’s strategic DEI goals to build diversity, be flexible and adaptive, to foster inclusion and focus on leadership and accountability. The plans for 2022 include also a wider membership incorporating the student body, a DEI Monthly Newsletter, and creative engagement initiatives like couch conversations. 

Speaking about the significance of the Committee in the University and across the UOWGE group, Ms Mastroianni said, “The DEI Committee is an important initiative; it is a vital part of the institution and a significant factor in its success. This Committee is in every campus of UOW around the world and it showcases the things that are important to us.”

Speaking about the significance of the Committee in the University and across the UOWGE group, Ms Mastroianni said, “The DEI Committee is an important initiative; it is a vital part of the institution and a significant factor in its success. This Committee is in every campus of UOW around the world and it showcases the things that are important to us.” 

Displaying the true spirit of diversity, the UOWD student body represents 108 nationalities, while the University’s staff originate from 48 different countries, with 59% of employees being female. As part of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the University is constantly exploring ways to work more flexibly and has incorporated DEI key performance indicator in its appraisal process. The institution also unites regularly to celebrate diversity, including events for international mother language day, women’s day, national day, and world day for cultural diversity.

Speaking about how the DEI Strategy is reflected on campus, Prof Salem concluded, “Through our policies, initiatives and great engagement of our DEI team with our community, we have established a positive and inclusive culture throughout the University. It is an important value that truly reflects what we stand for as an institution.”