Gender Economic Equality Study

The Gender Economic Equality Study will examine the gendered nature of the world of work and education, skills and training. For example, how workforce participation, education choices, career progression and pay gaps are gendered, and how we can offer public policy solutions.

Two key challenges are highlighted:

1. How education choices, divides and outcomes are shaped by gender.
2. How these intersect with the gender make-up of jobs and industries across Australia.

The study will use an intersectional approach to consider how factors like cultural identity, First Nations status, geography, disability and caregiving responsibilities amongst others interact with gender, to create unique experiences of privilege, disadvantage and discrimination.

By addressing these overlapping challenges, JSA aims to present evidence to assist with the development of policies that reflect the real-world experiences of Australia’s diverse labour market.

Following a public consultation, JSA will publish the study findings later in the year. 

The Gender Framework is an agency driven labour market and skills framework to embed and build capability in gendered and intersectional analysis across JSA.

This first iteration has been developed through collaboration and consultation across JSA’s tripartite stakeholders. It’s an evolving document open to feedback as the study progresses.

The framework is like other Government guides such as gender responsive budgeting and policy impact assessment guides that mandate a more focused gender analysis and offer best practice advice.

Analysing labour market and skills systems through gendered and intersectional lenses has now been established at both the macroeconomic and microeconomic level. It is beneficial for developing effective evidence-based policy and making faster progress towards gender economic equality.

The five guiding principals

The framework is guided by five principles with priority projects to ensure practical implementation.

1. Interrogate and reform data.
2. Embed intersectionality.
3. Collaborate and co-design.
4. Develop insight and indicators.
5. Innovate and lead by example.

Jobs and Skills Australia released the Gender Economic Equality Study Consultation Paper on 18 February 2025, inviting stakeholders to comment and share their diverse views.

For further information about the consultation, visit the Gender Economic Equality Study Consultation page.