Women still earn less than men, are under-represented in political and workplace leadership roles and perform the majority of unpaid domestic labour and care work.
When men control decisions and resources, in the home or in public, they have an opportunity to abuse their power, while women have less power to stop it, call it out, or leave.
What are the solutions?
Strengthen women’s economic security, independence and social, political and economic participation in public life, to equalise access to power and resources between women and men.
Challenge attitudes and social norms that normalise male control and dominance, privilege masculine behaviours and character traits, and promote male control over decision-making in public life and in relationships.
Support the rights of all women to make decisions about their own lives.
Develop regulatory, policy, organisational and institutional responses to increase the representation of women (from a range of diverse backgrounds and life experiences) in political systems and institutions, and in formal and informal decision-making at a community, organisational, institutional and policy level.
Use policy and other levers to reduce women’s economic dependence on men and increase economic support to women who face financial barriers to equality and independence.
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency promotes and improves gender equality in Australian workplaces by providing advice, practical tools and education to employers.
This paper explores the link between the unequal distribution of caring work between women and men and the unequal outcomes in workforce participation, job opportunities, gender pay gaps and the gap in superannuation savings.
