$240 million for Women’s Economic Security

In Australia, women made up the majority of those who were affected by job loss during COVID-19. The Government has announced $240 million in measures and programs to support female workforce participation.

In 2018 the Federal Government released its inaugural Women’s Economic Security Statement, with a focus on three key areas of workforce participation, earning potential and economic independence.

In 2020 this Statement was expanded and updated in recognition of the impact that COVID-19 has had on job security and female workforce participation.

2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement

The 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement significantly expands on the 2018 document, with input from women across Australia. The original three key areas have been expanded to five¹, being to:

• repair and rebuild women’s workforce participation and further close the gender pay gap
• greater choice and flexibility for families to manage work and care
• support women as leaders and positive role models
• respond to the diverse needs of women
• support women to be safe at work and home.

Impact of COVID-19

According to research published in the 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement, between February and May 2020, 420,000 women in Australia lost employment, with approximately 800,000 women wanting to work more hours.

Source: 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement.

Federal Budget boost

According to the Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg², women have made up the majority of those who lost their jobs during the current crisis. In response, $240 million has been allocated in the 2020 Federal Budget for measures and programs to support:

• New cadetships and apprenticeships for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Job creation and entrepreneurialism, and
• Women’s safety at work and at home.

Further details can be found in the 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement.

1. Source: 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement. Accessed 6/10/2020.
2. Source: Budget speech 2020-21. Accessed 6/10/2020