THE Commonwealth Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency has, for the fifth year running, given the University of Western Sydney its Employer of Choice for Women award. UWS was one of only 99 organisations that met the agency's new criteria which includes a pay equity gap of less than 17 per cent, a minimum of six weeks paid maternity leave, and at least 27 per cent of the managers being women.

UWS vice-chancellor Professor Janice Reid said she was delighted with the honour as it has a range of programs and policies that support women, including 20 weeks paid maternity or adoption leave, flexible work practices such as job-sharing, anti-harassment training and a commitment to ensuring women were represented on committees.

Details: www.eowa .gov.au