Advancing gender equality in the workplace: Why is gender equality important?

Author: Shelagh Prosser, an equity, diversity and inclusion specialist with substantial experience of working with public, private and not-for-profit organisations.  

Brightmine editor: Zuraida Curtis

Overview

In our series of guides on advancing gender equality, we consider what employers can do to create a workplace that is inclusive of all people regardless of their sex or gender. There is evidence to show that many of the obstacles to achieving inclusion have a disproportionate impact on women. It is for this reason that the guides focus primarily on addressing the key barriers that women can face in entering and progressing in the workplace.

In this guide, we explore the definition and importance of gender equality. Other guides in the series:

• Advancing gender equality in the workplace: Barriers to gender equality, diversity and inclusion
• Advancing gender equality in the workplace: Policies and procedures
• Advancing gender equality in the workplace: Supporting employees' performance and wellbeing
• Advancing gender equality in the workplace: Recruitment and selection
• Advancing gender equality in the workplace: Steps to create positive and meaningful change