What Do Australian's Really Think About Gender Equality?

In a move towards understanding public sentiment on gender equality, Plan International Australia has published its latest research project, the Gender Compass. This innovative study segments the Australian population into six distinct groups, shedding light on their beliefs, values, motivators, policy preferences, and behaviours related to gender equality. 

This project comes when feminism has seen notable successes in 2023, from the Matildas' World Cup journey to Barbie's triumphant return to Hollywood. However, the World Economic Forum's projection that global gender equality is still a staggering 131 years away is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, especially for future generations.

The Gender Compass research, conducted in collaboration with Dr Rebecca Huntley and Heartward Strategic, surveyed 2,522 Australians aged 16 and older in mid-2023. Its findings highlight the complex landscape of opinions on gender equality in Australia. 

While there is almost universal recognition (90 per cent) of the importance of granting Australian women the same rights, opportunities, and outcomes as men, there needs to be more understanding of how far society is from achieving equality. Surprisingly, 59 per cent of Australians believe equality is already within reach or attained. Interestingly, gender equality isn't a top priority for many Australians.

The Gender Compass segments Australians into six distinct categories, each with its unique perspective:

Trailblazers (19 per cent)

This group sees gender equality as a pressing issue and strongly supports measures to address it. Trailblazers are informed by personal experiences with gender inequality; they value fairness and equality. Trailblazers are primarily cis-females, younger, and often identify as LGBTQIA+. They are more likely to live in urban areas and prioritise education and growth.

Hopefuls (24 per cent)

The Hopeful segment considers equality necessary and is aware of the issues but lacks the urgency of Trailblazers. They have personally experienced gender-related negative impacts, mainly related to caregiving responsibilities. This group tends to be older cis-females.

Moderates (23 per cent)

Moderates have restrained enthusiasm for gender equality. They exhibit mild positive neutrality and are less aware of the impact of gender inequality. While they have personally experienced negative impacts, they do not prioritise fairness, equality, or tolerance as their core values. This group aligns closely with general population demographics.

Conflicted (12 per cent)

The Conflicted segment values gender equality but believes it's already close to achievement; they hold mixed views, including traditional and progressive perspectives. Gender equality is also seen as an issue for men. Conflicted are mostly younger cis-males, educated, and come from diverse backgrounds.

Indifferent (6 per cent)

Gender equality is not a priority for the Indifferent group. They exhibit neutrality or uncertainty about the issue, have a low awareness of the impact of gender inequality, and refrain from expressing strong views on initiatives. Fun and loyalty are their core values, demographically similar to the overall population, except they tend to have lower education levels.

Rejectors (17 per cent)

Rejectors believe that gender equality is no longer an issue and may even think it has gone too far. They are primarily concerned with men's experiences of gender discrimination, although they may not express it openly. This group least supports change initiatives and tends to be older, educated in technical and further education colleges, and live outside cities. They value tradition, rules, norms, freedom, and economic security.

While some findings signal progress and hope, such as 77 per cent supporting a fair society for all genders and 60 per cent advocating for equal standing in women's sports, many challenges remain. For instance, 26 per cent believe women are more suited to caregiving, only 53 per cent consider it essential to advocate for gender equality in other countries, and 25 per cent disagree or are uncertain about individuals making their choices regarding sexual and reproductive health.

Despite the ongoing dialogue about gender equality in various sectors, the Gender Compass results indicate that substantial work is needed to bridge the gap between societal perceptions and realities. Plan International Australia hopes its research will empower individuals and organisations to communicate and advocate more effectively for gender equality, bringing us closer to a world where everyone is equal.

Plan International Australia CEO Susanne Legena emphasises the urgency of addressing gender inequality, given that projections indicate the next five generations may never witness gender equality. By understanding the beliefs and attitudes of Australians through the Gender Compass, it is possible to challenge harmful social norms and work collectively to overcome discrimination, inequality, and violence worldwide.

Dr Rebecca Huntley, the Independent Research Lead, highlights that the Gender Compass reveals the possibility of a gender-equal future. While segments vary in their support for gender equality, most are open to action and policy changes that promote fairness and equality. This tool promises to be invaluable for those striving to shift attitudes and behaviours towards gender equality in Australia and beyond.

The State of Gender Equality in Australia

In Australia, women continue to face wage disparities, earning only 77.2 cents for every dollar men earn, as reported by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. Additionally, the sobering statistic that one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of someone they know, as documented by Our Watch, underscores the persistent challenges of discrimination, inequality, and violence. These issues are symptomatic of societal norms and require concerted efforts to reduce harmful attitudes.

Closing the Research Gap on Gender Equality

Until now, there has been a noticeable gap in research efforts to understand how best to engage the Australian public in discussions about gender equality. The Gender Compass initiative seeks to fill this critical knowledge gap by identifying the target audience, the topics that resonate with them, and the primary obstacles hindering progress toward a gender-equal future.

Collaborative Efforts for Change

Plan International Australia, collaborating with charitable organisations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, has proactively driven this ground-breaking research project. The overarching objective is to transform how Australians engage in conversations about gender equality, ultimately paving the way for positive change.

A Tool for Advocacy

The Gender Compass represents a powerful tool enabling advocates to tailor messages and outreach efforts to specific audiences. By comprehending the attitudes and perspectives of these audiences, advocates can mobilise them to take meaningful action. Importantly, this tool is not exclusive to Plan International Australia; it has been made publicly available for anyone committed to advancing the cause of gender equality.

Inspired by the 'Climate Compass' project in Australia, this research marks a significant step forward in the collective efforts of various stakeholders to create a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.