Labor will require companies who want government contracts to meet gender equality targets

Improving Gender Equality in Business and Government Boards

The Albanese government has announced new measures to push big businesses and government boards to improve gender equality. The minister for women, Katy Gallagher, revealed that businesses with 500 employees or more will be required to meet new gender equality targets in order to win government contracts. This move is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Gender Equality Targets for Government Contracts

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Under the new policy, businesses with 500 or more employees must commit to targets that focus on the gender makeup of their boards and workforce, equal pay, flexible working arrangements, workplace consultation on gender equality, and efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment. This initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Government’s Purchasing Power for Gender Equality

The government will use its purchasing power to support gender equality outcomes. By making it a rule that businesses with 500 or more employees must commit to gender equality targets, the government aims to ensure that women receive a fairer share of the $70bn spent on procuring goods and services. This initiative contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Stronger Targets for Women on Government Boards

In addition to the measures for businesses, the government will introduce stronger targets for women on government boards and advisory bodies. Currently, women’s representation on Australian Government boards is at a record high of 51.6%, but there is still uneven representation. The new targets will apply at the portfolio level and to all positions on all government boards and advisory bodies, including chair and co-chair positions. This initiative supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Voluntary Registration System and Direct Feedback

The government will establish a voluntary registration system for its suppliers to identify women-owned and led businesses. This will help promote gender equality in business ownership and leadership. Additionally, the government promises to conduct regular surveys to gather direct feedback from women about their concerns and priorities for gender equality. These initiatives align with Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Conclusion

The Albanese government’s commitment to improving gender equality in business and government boards is evident through these new measures. By setting targets and using its purchasing power, the government aims to create a more inclusive and equal society. These initiatives contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and demonstrate the government’s commitment to making gender equality a priority.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life
   • Target 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments
   • Target 5.5.2: Proportion of women in managerial positions
   • Target 5.5.3: Proportion of women on boards of directors of large corporations

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
   • Target 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
   • Target 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, by sex and migrant status

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
   • Target 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard
   • Target 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

   • Indicator: Proportion of women on boards of directors of large corporations (related to Target 5.5)
   • Indicator: Unemployment

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     Source: theguardian.com

      

     

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