HDR Candidate: D'Sa, Pamala


Title of Project Workplace Gender Equality within CRC Churches International
Course of Study Doctor of Ministry
Language of Instruction English
Abstract

CRC Churches International espouses an egalitarian view of women in ministry. Women are encouraged to serve at all levels of leadership. This position was established in writing in 1988 with the implementation of their ‘Women in Ministry’ policy. However, the movement has not produced guidelines or measures that ensure this policy of gender equality extends to the workplace and employment conditions for women. In Victoria, the geographic focus of this study, women employed in secular organisations are ensured protection in the workplace via the implementation of the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 and the Gender Equality Act 2020. Churches are not subject to the obligations of these pieces of legislation. A case study research project will be undertaken to answer the question, ‘How do churches within CRC Churches International promote workplace gender equality as compared to Australian secular education institutions?’ By triangulating multiple sources of quantitative and qualitative data, the researcher will present CRC Churches International information about workplace gender equality in its local churches. Additionally, the research will produce recommendations on how to increase the participation of women in employed senior leadership roles where workplace gender equality issues have been a perceived barrier.