Sisters in education should never swim alone
The AEU leads the way in advances for women in the workplace.
Women make up 70% of AEU members, approximately the same proportion as in the teaching profession. Women have played - and continue to play - a powerful role in shaping our union and determining AEU priorities.
The AEU actively encourages more women to play a role in setting the direction of their union and improving conditions for all women in the teaching profession.
Landmark wins by teacher unions for women in schools
- 14 weeks' paid maternity leave, won decades before the Rudd Government's announcement
- 35 hours' pre-natal medical leave
- 7 years' family leave with a return to the same school
- 5 days' carers leave per year
- Equal pay for women teachers
- Permanent part-time employment
What the AEU is working on for women and girls
- Family friendly work options
- Women and promotion positions
- Gender equity curriculum and resources for all education sectors
- Support for equal opportunity contact people in education workplaces
- Measures to reduce workplace bullying and harassment
AEU Women's Program - key features
- AEU Women's Conference: this popular annual event offers personal and professional development in a supportive atmosphere with great food.
- International Women's Day dinner and activities.
- Anna Stewart Memorial Project, a two-week‚ off-the-job development opportunity for women AEU members.
- Wyrd Sistas, an online mentoring program for women members.
- AEU WINs, a women's contact network operating throughout workplaces.
- TAFE Women's Network, support and information for TAFE women members.
- Return to duty, induction seminars for teachers returning from extended leave.
- Sexual harassment and discrimination assistance.
- Women and girls in education policy.
- Working parties with government on issues of concern to women education workers.
- Women's section on the AEU website listing membership committees and activities.
- Women's forums and leadership development.
- Women's bulletins on issues of concern and interest to women.
