29 Oct Summary: JSA Gender Economic Equality Study – Paper 3

Speeding Up Progress towards Gender Economic Equality

About the Study

The Gender Economic Equality Study by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is a three-part series examining how gendered systems in work, skills, and education shape women’s economic outcomes.

• Paper 1 measured occupational segregation using a new Gender Segregation Intensity Scale (GSIS).
• Paper 2 explored gendered pathways in education and training.
• Paper 3, the final report, brings this evidence together and sets out 10 national recommendations to accelerate progress.

The Challenge

JSA highlights that gender inequality is not just a fairness issue — it’s a structural barrier to productivity, workforce sustainability and inclusive growth. Only around one-fifth of Australian occupations are gender-balanced. Persistent segregation and discrimination limit women’s participation, pay and career progression, especially for First Nations women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with disability

Key Insights from Paper 3

The report identifies four major areas of focus:

1. Breaking gendered occupational segregation through targeted intervention and sector partnerships.
2. Early intervention to challenge gendered norms influencing study and career choices.
3. Addressing intersecting discrimination across sex, race, culture and age, and its cumulative effects on women’s economic security.
4. Reforming training pathways and workplace systems to remove barriers at both individual and structural levels

It calls for:

• Adoption of the GSIS as a shared government framework to monitor progress.
• A First Nations Women’s Economic Equality Plan.
• Lifelong career and re-entry supports for women.
• Better utilisation of women’s skills to lift productivity.
• Investment in inclusive workplaces and safer, more equitable learning environments.

Relevance to the VET and Skills Sector

Paper 3 recognises that change requires collaboration across governments, industry, education and training providers, and communities.
Peak bodies including Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE) are highlighted as key partners in implementing Recommendation 4 — a national, coordinated approach to addressing gender segregation in vocational pathways.

Why It Matters

The Study provides an evidence base for embedding gender equality across national policy frameworks such as the Working for Women Strategy (2024 – 2034) and the National Skills Agreement (2028). It confirms that gender equality in the skills system is essential to Australia’s economic prosperity.

Looking Ahead

While JSA’s role is advisory, implementation now depends on how government and sector partners act on the Study’s recommendations. Sustained leadership, accountability, and funding will be vital to maintain momentum and ensure the evidence leads to measurable change.