Breastfeeding Friendly Communities at WSU: Vice Chancellor's Gender Equality Fund, Final Report 2017

As an ‘Employer of Choice for Gender Equality’ for over a decade Western Sydney University (WSU) has an excellent track record in gender equality initiatives. As part of the ‘Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020’ the university intends to role model best practice in fairness and equity in the workplace and higher education environment. Returning to work or study whilst breastfeeding can put women at a disadvantage compared to other workers. Navigating the system to enable continued work or study, alongside maintaining breastmilk supply, can be challenging. Successfully combining work or study with breastfeeding an infant requires time, commitment and perseverance, on behalf of the mother, as well as a supportive work/study environment. The ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Communities at WSU’ project was funded as part of the university’s commitment to supporting initiatives that further enhance gender equality at WSU.