Gender inequality is a global issue that occurs everywhere, all the time, impacting millions of Australians every day. Many people, especially women and gender diverse people, still face ongoing discrimination, harassment and unjust treatment and are heavily overlooked by employers, communities, people in power and even the law. Negative perspectives and stereotypes about gender equality in society continue to be a barrier for many people, stopping them from accessing equal opportunities and pathways. Even those who are fully capable and have high potential in certain areas can be underrepresented and underpaid across the Australian society. 

In Australia, the total gender pay gap sits at 11.5%, with full-time working women earning an average of $247.20 less per week than men. Women are also more reliant on the Age Pension as their superannuation balances at retirement are typically 23.4% to 47% lower than men’s due to time off the workforce for unpaid care. On average, women spend 9 more hours per week on unpaid care and domestic work than men globally, and in some countries, this gap reaches up to 17 hours per week. Not only this, but 42% of working women have reported facing gender discrimination or inequality at work, as many earn less money than their male counterparts for doing the same job. Despite progress in some corporate sectors, this still occurs in 98% of occupations, and women hold the vast majority of low-paying or part-time care roles.

Gender inequality also affects men and is referred to as toxic masculinity. Stereotypes teach men to suppress their emotions and endure pain rather than ask for help, which leads to poor mental health. They are also told they cannot work in certain careers, which affects their views on what the social norm is for men and women.

Violence is another issue when it comes to gender inequality. Sexual harassment is often faced in silence by most people as it is considered shameful, and the victim is often blamed by close-minded individuals. Women are the primary victims of violence in the home, which is usually inflicted by current or former partners. In Australia, roughly 27% of women have experienced domestic violence since the age of 15. Some cases of violence towards women occur, on average, every 9 to 11 days in Australia. One woman is killed every 9-11 days by an intimate partner. When looking at all domestic violence, a woman is killed roughly every 4 days. A man, on the other hand, is killed by an intimate partner around every 26 days.

Catholic Social Teaching calls on people to stand together in solidarity and work to remove injustices that prevent individuals from flourishing. As beings crafted in the image and likeness of God, we need to overcome gender inequality by loving our neighbours just as ourselves, with equality, respect and dignity, regardless of their sex. We are called to recognise and respect the God-given dignity of each human being, following the example of Christ Jesus, who treated everyone the same, regardless of their race, gender, or status. We are also encouraged to stand against discrimination, challenge stereotypes, fight for justice and support those who are facing gender inequality.  Because gender inequality limits opportunities, creates unfair outcomes, and harms both individuals and society.

Social justice organisations such as UN Women, Amnesty International, and Plan International advocate for equal rights, campaign against discrimination, and work to empower women and girls globally. By supporting them, we would be working towards a more equal world. Individuals and communities can raise awareness about the impacts of gender inequality, challenge gender stereotypes, promote respectful attitudes, and support equal opportunities in schools and workplaces. On a larger scale, governments can introduce and enforce laws that prevent discrimination, ensure equal pay, and increase access to education and leadership opportunities for women and girls. Businesses can also create fair hiring and promotion practices to stop workplace discrimination based on gender.

Iceland is known as a global leader in gender equality and has implemented many laws that help it mantain it's status. For example, it was one of the first countries to legally mandate equal pay for equal work. Companies and institutions with 25 or more employees must obtain annual Equal Pay Certification to prove they are eliminating the gender pay gap. It also provides a total of 12 months of paid parental leave, at 80% of a parent's salary, per child. The leave is split, 6 months for the mother, 6 months for the father. This encourages fathers to take active, early roles in caregiving, which limits women's penalty in career progression. The country also promotes progressive educational frameworks in preschools. These environments encourage children to break down traditional stereotypes, for instance, by teaching girls to be confident and boys to develop nurturing skills. 

If Australia were to implement these laws and policies, we could work to become a more gender equal country. Each signature is one step closer to living in a gender inclusive, fair and equal country, so please help support this cause by signing.