The grant

Advancing Gender Equality in Gender Segregated Industries Grant

This grant provides UnionsACT with an opportunity to advance gender equality in gender‑segregated industries, occupations, and workplaces—particularly in male‑dominated sectors—by developing and implementing innovative, practical solutions to address gender inequality at work.

Australia’s high rates of gender segregation compared to other advanced economies is a result and driver of gender inequality. Industry gender segregation accounts for around one quarter of the gender pay gap. As well as being a barrier to women’s economic equality, the Government’s national strategy for gender equality, Working for Women, outlines the role gender segregated industries play in the unequal sharing of unpaid care between men and women. Gender segregation also creates workforce risks for critical sectors by limiting the attraction and retention of women. 

Advancing Gender Equality Project

The program is uniquely placed to bring together unions, industry and employers, leveraging tripartite expertise to address systemic issues facing women in gender segregated industries and foster more cooperative workplaces.

This project is divided into 3 phases - three steps towards equality:

  • Phase 1 - Listen

    We have interviewed 15 women workers in male-dominated industries, we have researched other gender initiatives, reviewed workplace awards & agreements and we have identified the barriers to equal workplaces in ACT. Our listening's have been compiled into a research report that identifies 7 dimensions or common themes.

  • Phase 2 - Tools

    We all need lifehacks and tools in our toolbelt to face our working life with confidence and safety. We are creating a toolkit of resources, including audit templates, best practice guideline and model clauses to address the 7 common themes and barriers we have heard during phase 1

  • Phase 3 - Share

    In equality and solidarity, we share our learnings. Through training sessions, access to the tools and building networks of support and information sharing, we are change makers.