Australian women are experiencing increased workforce participation, better pay, and greater job security. Despite this progress, significant barriers remain that hinder true gender equality in the workplace, according to a new report from the University of Sydney Business School. The inaugural Gender Equality @ Work Index provides a comprehensive evaluation of gender equality in Australia over the past decade.
The index, launched by The Hon Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Women, on March 15, 2024, offers a national snapshot of gender equality, measuring progress across various dimensions. White emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “It’s encouraging to see progress achieved, but we know more needs to be done to make equality a reality.” She highlighted the Australian Government’s commitment to women’s economic equality through initiatives such as improved paid parental leave and enhanced pay for female-dominated sectors.
Despite improvements, the index revealed that overall gender equality has risen only three points from 80 to 83 from 2014 to 2024. Professor Rae Cooper AO, Director of the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work, explained, “Women participate at lower rates, work fewer hours, and often find themselves in less secure jobs compared to men.” This disparity persists even though women now hold higher rates of Bachelor-level education than their male counterparts.
Barriers to Equality and Safety Concerns
The report indicates that safety is one area where progress has regressed. Women face significantly higher rates of workplace sexual harassment and psychological injuries compared to men, undermining advancements in other aspects of gender equality. Cooper noted, “This undercut progress made in all other dimensions.”
The index serves as a diagnostic tool, assessing inequality across seven critical areas. Each dimension is scored out of 100, with a score of 100 indicating complete equality. The findings show that women are closest to achieving parity in job security (94), participation (92), and pay (92). However, gender segmentation of work remains a significant issue, improving only three points over the past decade and falling 33 points below equality.
Cooper pointed out the deep division along gender lines in Australia’s workforce, where male-dominated roles typically offer higher pay and better conditions. This division not only restricts opportunities for women but also undermines overall economic resilience and exposes employers to skills shortages.
Domestic Responsibilities and Policy Implications
Another major challenge highlighted in the report is the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities. Professor Elizabeth Hill, Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work, noted some positive trends, such as a slight increase in men’s unpaid domestic work and a decrease for women. However, the low uptake of paid parental leave by men continues to contribute to gender inequality both at home and in the workplace.
Hill stated, “The laws are in place, but sticky social norms mean women spend longer out of the workforce and return to fewer hours in lower roles.” This situation hampers their career progression. Encouraging men to take advantage of available parental leave is crucial for enabling women to return to work sooner and in more substantial roles.
The research team is currently working on further applications of the Gender Equality @ Work Index. Future iterations will provide detailed insights into gender equality across various states, industries, and workforce groups. Additionally, a tool for international comparative analysis is in development to enhance global understanding of workplace gender equality.
The Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work invites collaboration and investment to help propel progress in this area. The Gender Equality @ Work Index is accessible through the centre’s website, where further partnership opportunities are also available.
Overall, while strides have been made towards gender equality in Australia, the research underscores that sustained efforts from policymakers, employers, and the community are essential to address the root causes of inequality and achieve lasting change.
