An evaluation of the Workforce Diversity Strategy was conducted in November 2003 and staff recruited through the WDS were requested to provide their perspective in relation to the Strategy. Please find below a selection of their responses:
"A valuable strategy and it does widen doors and allow more people who come from diverse backgrounds to find jobs. I am sure the whole attitude and culture of UWA has been shaped by the strategy to be more open to people who are different."
"I have extensive administrative experience from former Yugoslavia and some local, but for six years I have found it very hard to find stable and reliable employment here in Perth. I have come with a sound knowledge of the English language to Australia, but still as I was over forty and didn’t have an overly impressive local work experience listed on my CV (how could I, I wasn’t given a chance to have the experience), it has become a vicious cycle for me to find a job I could rely on and support my family as a single mother. The equity and diversity program UWA has made it possible for me to get into the mainstream of potential employees and to feel appreciated for who I am and for what I am able to do, and to be able to contribute to the community I have decided to belong to."
"It is my pleasure to work in such a great environment as UWA provide for staff and students; lovely location, historical buildings, all facilities and the most impressive multicultural environment. Also my work place GSM is one of the departments where the multicultural ethic is highly developed."
"My supervisor supports my initiative to continuously achieve personal and professional growth."
"The work environment is very positive. In my department we have weekly administrative meetings where we are all planning and talking about new schedules and I feel equal in this. We are always listening to each others ideas and suggestions with the utmost of respect."
"I can now plan for the future as I have a secure contract after years of uncertainty."
"UWA provides so many courses for everyone that opportunities for professional growth and career development is unlimited. As a person from a non-English speaking background I have finished many courses to improve my English such as pronunciation and writing skills as well. Also I have improved my computer skills on the way so that now I am more confident in using Excel, word processing etc."
"You guys are great. If you weren’t there when I started with UWA I would never be able to get in. Once I got a chance to work at UWA I tried my best to prove myself as an excellent worker. There are however still lots of people outside who are equally skilled and valuable as a workforce."
"It has given me the opportunity of a lifetime both personally and professionally."
"The workforce diversity strategy has a great impact on me, due to the fact that I would never of thought that I would be working at UWA. But is coming up to my third year and I encourage people I know to come through the diversity strategy."
"So far it is the best job I have got since I migrated to Australia I am quite happy here."
