Governments across Australia have implemented a diverse range of policies and programs that seek to address workforce gender segregation in industries and occupations. However, the policy challenge is significant and will require multifaceted and sustained effort to change social norms and address barriers associated with gender.
This technical paper on Workforce Gender Segregation in Australia has been prepared by the interjurisdictional Women's Economic Outcomes Senior Officials Working Group of the Council on Federal Financial Relations to help inform this policy effort.
The paper:
- provides an overview of the current landscape of gender segregation in the Australian workforce
- identifies the underlying drivers of gender segregation in Australia
- summarises key actions underway across governments aimed at supporting greater gender equality across the Australian workforce.
The paper is informed by an extensive literature survey, consultations with experts in workforce gender segregation across government and academia, analysis of relevant ABS and Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia (HILDA) survey data, and input from all Australian jurisdictions.
More information on this analysis is available in two background papers:
- Key Findings from the Expert Consultations
- Analysis of the Supply-side Drivers of Workforce Gender Segregation using HILDA Data.
The Women’s Economic Outcomes Senior Officials Working Group includes Treasury representatives from the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments.
