Case Study: Monash City Council

Monash Ally Program

Why it is important

This program empowers staff to help create an environment of equality, respect, inclusion, and being free from violence.

The Monash Ally Program brings together work being undertaken by Council’s internal staff committees and working groups that are dedicated to gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and family violence, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, cultural diversity, recognition of First Nations peoples, and access and inclusion.

Staff are encouraged to become a Monash Ally and show their support in the way they are most comfortable, from simple actions like sharing posters and attending events, to using inclusive language, or being an active bystander when they see behaviours that do not align with Council’s values of equality, respect, inclusion, and being free from violence.

Monash Ally Champions sign up to play an active role and often attend lunch and learn sessions that build their capacity to make change across the organisation and in the community. With around 40 staff members signing on from different parts of Council, a supportive space has developed where staff can ask questions, share information or updates, and seek help from their colleagues. This has also created greater awareness of and support for initiatives that happen annually such as 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, International Women’s Day, IDAHOBIT, Reconciliation Week, and more.

Call to action

There are many allies in different areas across your organisation who are keen to get involved in this work. Everyone can play a role in supporting equality, respect, inclusion, and being free from violence if they are given the tools and support to do so.