The Albanese government has announced it will fund a $5 million research partnership with the University of Sydney to drive progress on women’s economic security and equality.
Under the initiative, the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work at the University of Sydney will bring world-leading researchers together to identify practical solutions for government, industry and the community to improve economic outcomes for women.
The five-year grant will support Working for Women, the government’s strategy for gender equality in Australia.
It will see the University of Sydney collaborate with the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Technology Sydney, and the University of Melbourne.
The government says the University of Sydney was chosen for the $5 million partnership following a competitive grant process.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our research team to assist government to realise the goals of the ambitious Working for Women Strategy,” said Professor Rae Cooper, from the University of Sydney’s Business School.
“We will build a rigorous research evidence base to ensure that government has the data-driven insights it needs to deliver change toward gender equality.
“Led by the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work at the University of Sydney, this initiative brings together world-leading experts to help make the ‘world of work’ work better for women.
“We know from our research that when the economy works better for women it works better for all Australians.”
Minister for Women and Finance Katy Gallagher said the grant would ensure Australia uses research and evidence to drive change for women.
“Good research, reflecting on women’s real lives, leads to better decision making and better outcomes,” Gallagher said.
“The experiences of women, including First Nations and migrant women, and their experiences and priorities in relation to work, training, career and care will be at the core of the research.”