Australia’s progress towards improving gender parity has been reaffirmed by the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Gender Gap Report.
The World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Index benchmarks 146 countries on gender parity across four dimensions: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, welcomed the report, which saw Australia’s ranking improve by two places to 24th.
“When we came to government in 2022, Australia was ranked 43rd in the world for gender parity,” Minister Gallagher said.
“The fact that today we are ranked 24th is a testament to the value the Albanese Government places on gender equality, and the work we are doing it make it a reality.”
Notably, the record number of women in the Ministry continues to drive Australia’s progress in the Index.
“We have made significant progress under the Albanese Government, but it is clear that we need to do more to achieve gender equality in Australia and around the world," Minister Gallagher said.
“The report found that at the current rate, it will take 134 years to achieve gender parity across the globe. This is slower progress compared to last year’s report, which shows that gains for gender equality can be lost and need to be protected.
“Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality sets out our ambitious agenda to shift the dial on gender equality over the next 10 years, to protect those gains and get things working for women in Australia.
"We’ve re-introduced gender responsive budgeting to ensure that gender equality is at the centre of government decision-making.
“Reports like this are important to keep our Government accountable for progress on gender equality, and we are determined to continue driving ongoing improvements for women in the future," Minister Gallagher said.
The report is available on the World Economic Forum website.