Goal 10: Reduce inequalities

In everything we do, from our teaching to our outreach projects, we strive towards equality and inclusion for our diverse, treasured community.

Several VU programs work directly with local government to improve access to education and employment, and provide support where it is most needed.

Research activity extends the reach of this approach, addressing global inequalities through economic and social investigation.

By mid-2022, one in 251 people worldwide was a refugee, the highest proportion ever documented. Achieving SDG 10 requires concerted efforts to address the root causes of wage disparities and access to resources both within- and between-country inequality.
– United Nations

Sustainability on campus

VU’s commitment reflects UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which states that: “cultural rights are an integral part of human rights”. VU has an intercultural approach to learning and teaching and to ensure that education is both inclusive and accessible to all students.

Research groups addressing Goal 10

Mitchell Institute

VU's education policy think-tank works to improve education systems so more Australians can engage with and benefit from these services, supporting a healthier, fairer and more productive society.

Teenagers

Social & cultural transformation research

Part of the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, this research area focuses on social inclusion, community development, inclusive and transformational education, and social justice.

Policy & economics research

This research area provides the knowledge base for effective policy responses to key issues the world is facing in health, education, and quality of the environment.

3 students in the library

Education Innovation Hub

The Education Innovation Hub focuses on understanding transition barriers that prevent students from reaching their potential and that reduce the availability of trained workers.

Jobs & Skills Innovation Hub

The Jobs & Skills Innovation Hub will facilitate the development and implementation of solutions to support skills and jobs growth, and safe and inclusive work environments in Melbourne’s west.

Stronger Communities Innovation Hub

The Stronger Communities Innovation Hub will improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of communities in Melbourne’s west.

Programs addressing Goal 10

Alek, a participant of the Victoria Police Cultural Inclusion Recruitment Program, receiving her Certificate of Participation in the program from Superintendent Mark Porter.

Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program

The Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program expands employment outcomes for people from African-Australian, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and refugee backgrounds.

Science student Stella Rose Lay stands wearing a t-shirt that reads 'Always was'.

Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit

VU Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit supports students to achieve excellence at university and in their careers.

Special admissions programs

Our admissions programs help students to access a university education, who might otherwise have find it difficult due to socioeconomic circumstance, class, language or cultural barriers.

6 students of various cultural backgrounds hold certificates, smiling

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation

This partner the WBCF works with the west's diverse community in a program that encompasses Health & Wellbeing, Youth Leadership, Diversity and Social Inclusion and Community Advocacy.

Priority precincts of the west

We partner with local governments, community organisations, and businesses to contribute to the region’s economic, social and cultural development.

Diversity & inclusion

The more diverse perspectives, identities, cultural backgrounds, ages and experience of our staff and students, the better our working environment, research and educational experience.

Find out about our work aimed to advance women and girls in sport and physical activity.

VU in the Community

We work alongside communities in the region to develop programs that respond to local needs for skills, knowledge and learning.

First in family students to attend university

First in Family program

VU Kick Start is a free program for first-year students who are of the first generation in their family to attend university.

VU stories

Tahlia Zayat.

Giving back: how Tahlia became a partner for her people

Bachelor of Criminal Justice

"One of the great things about VU is the support you receive from staff. I always felt comfortable emailing my teachers for help, or knocking on the door of Moondani Balluk."

One of the great things about VU is the support you receive from staff. I always felt comfortable emailing my teachers for help, or knocking on the door of Moondani Balluk.

A pathway to a dream

Diploma of Nursing HLT51607, Bachelor of Nursing

"The best thing about VU is the friendly, multicultural environment, and the amazing support I received from the teachers."

The best thing about VU is the friendly, multicultural environment, and the amazing support I received from the teachers.

A pathway to PhD in science

Doctor of Philosophy (Science)

"I was offered a place in Foundation Studies as a pathway course at Victoria University to continue my journey and achieve my goal...I am currently undertaking my PhD research. "

I was offered a place in Foundation Studies as a pathway course at Victoria University to continue my journey and achieve my goal...I am currently undertaking my PhD research.

Ghofran's story