Did you know there are two parenting rooms on the western side of the Armidale campus available for all students and staff to use?
The two facilities, which are located in room 107 in W021 and room 19 in W049, are stocked with items such as nappies, changing mats, toys, a changing table, nursing chair, microwave and fridge.
Image: The two facilities are located in room 107 in W021 and room 19 in W049.
The new rooms are just one of many initiatives being carried out by the School of Environmental and Rural Science Gender, Diversity, Social Inclusion and Equity Committee (commonly known as ‘The Equity Committee’) to help underrepresented groups feel safe, supported and welcome while on campus.
“We identified the need to better support parents as they return to work, and together with EBE we have created these two rooms that are available to staff and students,” said Chair of the Gender, Diversity, Social Inclusion and Equity Committee, Associate Professor Deborah Bower. “It’s really important that we create a supportive environment here on campus, particularly for underrepresented groups such as early career researchers and women.”
PhD student, Pratima Rana Shahi, said these facilities have helped her transition back to work and study after having her daughter.
Image: Pratima and her daughter in the parent room in W021.
“I started my PhD when my daughter was one, and having a parenting room on campus is really advantageous to female academics like me. I use this room to maintain privacy with my daughter, and I’m very grateful to have a facility like this to use.”
If you have any questions or suggestions for the committee, please get in touch by sending an email to A/Prof Bower. Alternatively, the committee meets monthly and all are welcome to attend.
