Education underpins every part of Australia’s future, shaping who thrives at school, who leads our institutions, who enacts policy and who feels a sense of belonging in local communities.
It’s women who are at the forefront of this educational progress, as around 72–78 per cent of teachers in Australian schools are women, according to 2023 ABS statistics, with even higher proportions in primary education (over 82 per cent).
Yet, many of the women doing the most transformative work across education remain underpaid and under-recognised.
Despite women dominating the teaching profession, only about 34 per cent of principals nationally are female. Male principals and teachers, on average, also earn significantly more than their female counterparts, with 2025 figures from the ATO showing a gap of more than $10,500.
Nevertheless, research and sector reporting show that schools and education systems with strong female leadership often deliver collaborative approaches to decision‑making, more inclusive cultures, higher staff morale and improved engagement with marginalised students.
This applies to the conversation around geographical location as well, with educational support for women and girls in regional Australia proving critical.
One woman making waves in education, Professor Sarah Chapman is a passionate STEM educator that tells Women’s Agenda support must not be limited by a person’s postcode, as the nation’s economy depends on regional progress.
“Regional Australia powers our energy, mining, agriculture, health and defence sectors, yet too many capable girls outside major cities are locked out of STEM early by distance, cost, limited subject choice and a lack of role models,” says Professor Chapman.
“Australia faces acute STEM skills shortages, we’re sidelining half the potential talent in the very regions our economy depends on. When regional girls are given real, place-based early exposure to STEM, aspirations rise, confidence grows and futures change.”
Gender equity and support for inclusive representation sit at the heart of progress in classrooms and early learning centres, universities and research institutes, community organisations, policy spaces and national movements.
This is why Women’s Agenda has published a list of Women to Watch in Education today, aiming to elevate the profiles of those included, and to expand on this list of women in AI by sharing more stories over the coming months. This list is the second in a series of industry-specific features Women’s Agenda is publishing throughout 2026.
From regional schools to global universities, early childhood to adult learning, STEM to consent education, cultural research to system reform, women are leading the shift for more ethical and future-focused education in Australia.
One of these changemakers, Professor of Psychology Gemma Sharp tells Women’s Agenda that through working across diverse scientific fields, she’s seen firsthand that “progress thrives on diverse perspectives”.
“Women’s leadership in education brings inclusivity, models resilience and ensures decisions reflect the needs of all learners – driving both equity and innovation.”
It’s women educators like Professor Chapman and Professor Sharp who are leading a shift and centring community knowledge in Australia’s educational landscape.
Check out the Women’s Agenda of Women to Watch in Education here.