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Violence prevention organisation Our Watch has released new data showing the work still needed to overcome myths about gender discrimination.
The new data* shows that twice as many men employees (54%) than women employees (25%) believe women have the same opportunities in Australia today.
Our Watch Chief Executive Officer Patty Kinnersly said the data also found gender inequality remains a significant issue for employees: for 45% of women compared to 24% of men.
“We recognise women and their achievements and also seek to improve women’s rights and participation across society,” Ms Kinnersly said. “This data shows the work needed to address some of the barriers to gender equality at work.
“The good news is there’s recognition that workplace discrimination is still a problem, with half of men and three quarters of women agreeing it’s still an issue. There’s also agreement that approaches to preventing workplace sexual harassment in Australia today are becoming more effective (73% of workplace leaders and 62% of employees). These suggest there’s appetite for workplaces to take more action.”
Ms Kinnersly said there are clear links between beliefs about gender equality and gendered violence.
“Gender inequality sets the underlying context for violence against women. Essentially, the more unequal our societies and workplaces are, the higher the likelihood of gendered violence occurring, due to power imbalances and harmful stereotypes. This most commonly shows up in a workplace as sexual harassment,” she said.
“We need to look at what’s happening in workplaces that leads to these power imbalances. These include things like unequal access to parental leave, a lack of representation of women in decision-making roles, making assumptions about people’s willingness to step into leadership roles and a lack of knowledge and confidence in challenging harmful gender stereotypes.
“As we see over and over in the media, violence against women is shockingly common. It affects two in five women from the age of 15. And workplace sexual harassment has impacted one in three people in the last five years. More than half of those impacted by sexual harassment endure repeated experiences lasting more than six months, causing real harm not just the individual, but also to the organisation.
“But it can be prevented.
“There is much to do, and we all have a role to play, from governments to employers, from schools to sporting clubs, from families to individuals. This International Women’s Day presents a fresh opportunity for all of us to both celebrate women’s successes and to commit to doing more to achieve gender equality.”
Employers wanting to know more about an evidence-based approach to greater equality and respect in workplaces can explore Our Watch workplaces.
For information, resources, and free webinars on how to prevent violence in a range of settings, start with how to prevent violence against women or our free events and training.
Graph: In Australia today women have the same opportunities as men to succeed in their career. How much do you agree or disagree?
Graph: Discrimination against women is no longer a problem in the workplace in Australia. How much do you agree or disagree?
*1500 adults across Australia participated in an online survey that ran from 20-30 September 2024. Participants were recruited through an online survey panel. The final sample included 1000 employees and 500 workplace leaders (people with managing responsibilities or higher) in organisations with at least 20 employees. Because of the low rate of participation of gender diverse and non-binary respondents, data is reported using binary genders only. Of the employers/workplace leaders, 68% were men and 32% were women. This is in line with the numbers of women in management positions. The employees were 49% men and 51% women.
This activity is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Media contact
Please contact media@ourwatch.org.au or call 0448 844 930.
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1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491.
Access guides for reporting about violence against women and their children.
About Our Watch
Our Watch is Australia’s leader in the primary prevention of violence against women. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children. Read more about Our Watch here.