Credit: Centre for Western Sydney
New research from Western Sydney University sheds light on a significant income disparity between women in Western Sydney and the rest of Sydney. The study reveals that women in Western Sydney earn $20,233 less than their counterparts in the rest of Sydney, while men in Western Sydney also experience a pay gap, earning $7,563 less than women in the rest of Sydney.
If the participation of women in Western Sydney matched that of women in the rest of Sydney, the workforce could see an increase of up to 83,160 women, leading to an additional $90,266 in earnings per year for these women.
The report was unveiled by Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, at Western Sydney University’s International Women’s Day event in Parramatta. Professor Westacott emphasized the crucial role of women in driving economic progress in the region and the need to fully unleash their potential.
According to Professor Westacott, there has been a significant increase in the number of women obtaining tertiary qualifications in Western Sydney over the past decade. However, there are still barriers to overcome in closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities for all women, regardless of their location or background.
The Unlocking Women’s Potential report, released by the University’s Center for Western Sydney, examines the workforce participation of women in Western Sydney compared to the rest of Sydney, using data from the 2021 ABS Census, policy analysis, and insights from stakeholder consultations.
Co-lead author of the report, Professor Kate Huppatz, noted that while the education levels of women in Western Sydney have seen significant growth, workforce participation still lags behind national averages, particularly in areas like Fairfield, Cumberland, and Canterbury-Bankstown.
The report highlights that women in Western Sydney, despite being highly educated, face lower workforce participation rates and earnings compared to men in the region and women in the rest of Sydney. This disparity is most pronounced among disadvantaged women with caregiving responsibilities, such as solo mothers, and those from diverse backgrounds, including migrants and refugees.
The findings of the report underscore the need for targeted efforts to address gender inequity and create a more inclusive and equitable workforce in Western Sydney and beyond.
Director of the Center for Western Sydney, [Read more here »](https://phys.org/news/2024-03-gender-equity-australian.html)