Gender Equality in Australia: A Snapshot of Progress and What Still Holds Us Back

Australia is making headway on gender equity, but the full picture is both encouraging and sobering.

📈 The Good News: Momentum Is Building

• The Financy Women’s Index rose to 77.92 in March 2025, signalling the strongest progress since mid-2024.
• 38.4% of ASX 200 board roles are now held by women — a record high.
• Gender equality on boards is projected to be reached in just 4.9 years.
• The gender pay gap narrowed to 11.9%, supported by wage boosts in key female-dominated sectors.
• Men are contributing slightly more to unpaid care work, while female workforce participation is climbing steadily.

“These results show that Australia is on track to reach equality on ASX 200 boards by 2030 — a historic milestone for gender equality as one of the first widely campaigned and actioned areas closes in on parity.”
— Bianca Hartge-Hazelman, Founder, Financy

⚠️ The Bad News: Deep Structural Inequities Remain

• Equality in education-related earnings is 348.6 years away — driven by gendered career paths and pay gaps in chosen fields.
• Time to equality in unpaid work is still 42.4 years, with women shouldering the bulk of care responsibilities.
• Women’s gains in employment are still concentrated in low-paying, part-time roles, particularly in the care economy.
• There are now fewer women CEOs in the ASX 300 than last year — down from 26 to 25.

“You don’t need to be a CFO to speak the language of money — but you do need to speak it to shape the decisions that matter… Financial fluency is often the unspoken language of power. And when access to that fluency isn’t equal — influence isn’t equal either.”
— Natalie Previtera, CEO, NGS Super

To learn more The Financy Womens Index report.

Are You Outperforming the National Average on Gender Equity? Then Step Up.

We want to learn from you.

The Recalibrate – Gender Equity Awards shine a light on organisations that are leading the way. If your workplace has cracked the code — whether through policies, leadership pathways, or inclusive culture — now’s the time to share your playbook.

By entering the Awards, you’ll:

• Gain national recognition
• Help amplify effective practices
• Inspire other organisations to act

Nominate or enter today and let’s fast-track progress, together: ENTER NOW

Let’s not just celebrate progress. Let’s share it, scale it, and sustain it.