The organisation’s new report, The G20 and gender equality – How the G20 can advance women’s rights in employment, social protection and fiscal policies, highlights the role of the G20 group of countries in taking action on gender inequality.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said that across G20 countries and beyond, women were paid less than men, did most of the unpaid labour, were over-represented in part-time work and were discriminated against in the household, markets and institutions.
The report, which was co-published with the Heinrich Boell Foundation, shows that an extra 20 to 60 per cent could be added to the GDP of some G20 countries if the hidden contribution of unpaid work – such as caring for children or carrying out housework – was recognised and valued.
“The gap between women and men is yet another form of inequality afflicting G20 countries and it remains entrenched, despite the gains that have undoubtedly been made in some areas,” Dr Szoke said.
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Although the report highlights Australia’s strong policies to support women in the workplace, Oxfam said there is room for improvement to address negative social attitudes to women and ensure coherence across government policies.
“Through its Presidency of the G20, Australia is well placed to show leadership and push the G20 to make good its promises to ensure that economic growth and employment outcomes benefit women and contribute to reducing income inequality between women and men,” Dr Szoke said.
In Australia, women’s wages are about 65 per cent of men’s, while women in Indonesia earn about 70 per cent of men’s wages.
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