Equality Institute (EQI)

Advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls takes more than a single program, it takes a strategy that works across systems, stories, and society. Equality Institute (EQI) combines research, education, advocacy and communications to turn evidence into action — shaping policy, shifting narratives and strengthening organisational practice. From government partnership and workforce capability-building to practical tools and implementation support, we help organisations move from good intentions to measurable change.  

With offices in Naarm (Melbourne) and Dili (Timor-Lestse), EQI works across Australia and internationally. We are a certified social enterprise, values-led and outcomes-focused. Our work is delivered through an experienced multi-consultant team and underpinned by trauma-informed practice, an intersectional lens, and robust quality assurance — because “near enough” isn’t a strategy. EQI played a leading role in developing, piloting, evaluating and revising the Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) Toolkit now hosted on the Commission’s website, in addition to developing sector-wide guidance on Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) development, drawing from qualitative analysis of dozens of GEAPs submitted across Victoria. This work led to the creation of an evidence-based assessment rubric and accompanying tools to help public entities, and the Commission itself, better understand, develop, and evaluate their action plans. We also support and train public entities across Victoria and NSW to conduct GIAs and develop GEAPs, building internal capability while delivering high-quality, policy-aligned outputs.