Women in Australia today are more educated, hardworking, and involved in the economy than ever before.
But what do the numbers say about where we stand in the workforce, and where we’re still falling short?
This blog dives into current statistics and key trends shaping women’s work lives across the country.
What Percentage of Women Work in Australia?
According to the 2024 Status of Women Report Card, 60.4% of women over the age of 15 are employed in Australia. Among women aged 15 to 64, they perform an average of 55.4 hours of total work per week, including paid and unpaid labour, two hours more than men on average.
Furthermore, 43.3% of women are in part-time employment, compared to just 19.5% of men, highlighting the disproportionate impact of caregiving and unpaid responsibilities on women’s workforce participation.
How Many Women Work in Construction?
While female participation is rising across industries, construction remains significantly male-dominated. Women represent just 13% of the workforce in construction, according to ABC.
This underrepresentation points to ongoing gender segregation in certain sectors, and highlights the need for improved inclusion, career support, and access to training for women in trades and traditionally male-heavy industries.
How Many Women Work in Australia Overall?
With women comprising nearly half of Australia’s labour force, the role of women in driving economic progress cannot be overstated. But challenges persist. For example:
- 35.7% of women say caring responsibilities are the main reason they are unavailable for more paid work (compared to 7.3% of men).
- Female parents still do over 1 hour more unpaid childcare per day than male parents.
- 86% of primary carer leave is taken by women, revealing ongoing disparities in family leave responsibilities.
Why These Statistics Matter – And What They Mean for the Future
These numbers aren’t just data points; they reflect the lived realities of millions of Australian women. They highlight the progress we’ve made, but also the road still ahead. From part-time work to unpaid caregiving and underrepresentation in key industries, the statistics reveal a workforce where women are contributing more than ever, but not always receiving equal recognition, pay, or opportunity.
Understanding these trends matters because they directly impact women’s long-term financial wellbeing. Lower earnings today often mean lower superannuation balances tomorrow, putting women at a disadvantage in retirement. Unequal representation in leadership roles means fewer voices shaping the policies and systems that affect our lives. And the continued burden of unpaid labour limits the time women can dedicate to their careers and financial growth.
At eairwoman, we believe that awareness leads to action. By shedding light on these workforce trends, we can push for change, advocate for better support, and help women build the secure future they deserve, both in their careers and in retirement.
Support Your Career and Retirement Goals with eairwoman
At eairwoman, we’re on a mission to change the story for working women—whether you’re just entering the workforce or preparing for retirement.
Download the app to access personalised tools like our superannuation calculator and ‘What If’ scenario planner, helping you stay informed and in control of your financial future.
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