Economic equality

Economic inequality remains a significant issue, with women often earning less over their lifetime due to part-time work, caregiving responsibilities, and the gender pay gap. These financial disparities impact women’s independence and ability to secure housing and essential services. Women’s economic wellbeing and participation is vital for women’s security and improves the state and national economy.

The gender pay gap in South Australia (at November 2025) was 7.3%, below the national average of 11.5%.

Women also carry most of the caring load, with 92% of care and support workers being women.  Women providing unpaid care of children in Australia spend 1 hour 15 minutes more than men each day on this unpaid work. Unpaid caring often prevents women from increasing their working hours, which contributes to lower earnings.

What to consider

• Any financial or economic outcomes and whether they will impact different genders in different ways. Consider whether certain gender may be better or worse off financially.
• Whether policies or programs provide equitable access to financial resources or support systems.
• Any gaps or disproportional impact regarding financial resources or support.
• Targeted measures like affordable childcare, parental leave, and wage equity policies to alleviate economic barriers.
• Whether it increases economic security of women, men or gender diverse people by promoting equal access to employment and career advancement.
• Whether it reduces the gender pay gap, engaging businesses that demonstrate gender equality in their workplace.

References

Workplace Gender Equality Agency, The ABS data gender pay gap

Commonwealth of Australia, ‘Budget 2024-25: Women’s Budget Statement’

Australian Bureau of Statistics, How Australians Use Their Time 2020–21 financial year