Addressing occupation gender segregation key to boosting economy and progressing gender economic equality

A new report from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has outlined opportunities to advance gender economic equality in the jobs and skills system.

The third and final paper in JSA’s Gender Economic Equality Study identifies 10 areas for action in addressing occupational gender segregation and gendered divides in education, training and skills.

Accelerating progress towards gender economic equality will help address barriers at societal, educational, industry and workplace levels, and improve productivity and workforce sustainability.

The paper highlights that achieving this progress will require commitment from all levels of government, employers and the broader skills and education sector both now and into the future.

The first two papers of the study explored the jobs and skills system challenges that contribute to inequality and maintain Australia’s highly gendered jobs, pay gaps and divides across education and training.

This paper, ‘Speeding up progress towards gender economic equality’, is available now on the JSA website: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/research/studies/gender-economic-equality-study

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“Addressing Australia’s challenges in skills and making the most of the opportunities that come with them is an important area of focus for the Albanese Government.

“At the heart of this is the need to ensure that we are encouraging the whole population – not just half – to be a part of meeting these challenges in areas like trades and the care economy.

“This report from Jobs and Skills Australia highlights the need to work with all levels of government, and the skills system, on a national approach to addressing gender segregated VET training pathways.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:

“The Albanese Government has been working from day one to advance gender equality, including improving women’s economic security and equality.

“This new JSA data is clear. It shows that where we have more gender balance in the workforce, we see fewer shortages, more engaged workers and better economic outcomes for women. There’s a huge opportunity here from a macro-economic standpoint.

“To make real progress in addressing gender segregation, we must also work together to normalise things like caring roles for men, women in trade careers, and inclusive workplaces.”

ENDS