Breaking Barriers: Addressing Occupational Gender Segregation for a More Inclusive Workforce

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) has recently released a groundbreaking report assessing occupational gender segregation in the country. Despite the increasing number of women entering the workforce, gender disparities persist significantly, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries such as construction and STEM fields.

Occupational gender segregation has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the workplace. The CEDA report highlights how this divide limits job mobility for women and restricts their access to opportunities in male-dominated industries. This hampers individual career growth and impedes overall labour market flexibility and productivity. To address these challenges, it is crucial to dismantle the barriers that reinforce occupational gender segregation.

Addressing occupational gender segregation is particularly crucial in STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented. Encouraging young girls to pursue STEM education and creating supportive environments for women in these industries is essential for closing the gender gap.