A Guide to Gender Equality in Australia

by Sharon Rousseau Personal Blogger

Summary: Understanding gender equality requires a broader understanding of gender equality in Australia. Often gender inequality in society informs the experiences and attitudes in the workplace.

Gender equality is equal treatment of all gender. Everyone will enjoy the same right, responsibilities, opportunities, and protection. The programs for gender equality affects everybody's experiences and makes a healthier and safer community. In an equal world, we would see:

Equal opportunity to education for boys and girls
Equal representation in leadership positions in politics and workplaces
Recognition of the value of domestic and unpaid work
Equal opportunity to the economic resources such as natural resources, financial services, inheritance
No discrimination against girls and women
No gendered violence

Importance of gender equality

Gender equality is a human right. Almost every right includes the prohibition of gender discrimination. Achieving gender equality can save many lives of girls and women. Gender inequality plays a significant role in girls' and women's life expectancy. It can be seen in higher death rates during and after natural disasters, the disproportionate gendered effects of climate changes, and medical bias.

There is a strong global case of why gender equality will benefit all. The UN says that gender equality is essential to achieve peaceful societies with full human potential and sustainable development. Girls and women make up half the world's population, so they make up half the potential of society. Recognizing the value of girls' and women's contributions, skills and work allows all to progress as a global community.

Achieving gender quality in Australia will have a significant impact on the economy. According to the research, it would lead to more jobs and increased GDP. These are two important economic strengths that could result in decreased poverty, higher life expectancy, and better quality of life.

Gender equality laws in Australia

In Australia, there are some gender equality laws to ensure everyone is treated fairly. In 1983, Australia signed the Convention to eliminate the discrimination against girls. By signing the Convention is a commitment to promote gender equality through policies, organizations, laws, and structures that work towards the equality. It outlines the rights girls should have across many aspects of life, including health, political participation, employment, marriage, housing, laws, and family relations.

Under signing this, Australia introduced the sex discrimination Act 1984, federal legislation that prohibits sex discrimination. Under the Act of 1984, people are protected from discrimination and unfair treatment due to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, intersex status, pregnancy, relationship status, or breastfeeding.