Improving Workforce Participation of Women in the Central Coast City

P&P document cover

Background

In the Central Coast City, women’s participation in the workforce is the second lowest in Greater Sydney, with South-West Sydney women registering a slightly lower rate. When employed, women in the Central Coast City work fewer hours than their male counterparts and are more likely to work part time. Half of all employed women in the Central Coast City work part-time, compared to one third across Greater Sydney (ABS 2022).

Examining women’s workforce participation on the Central Coast is timely, as the economic impact of the recent pandemic has exacerbated women’s labour market insecurity and highlighted the entrenched inequalities that limit women’s participation in paid work.

The project

This collaborative research project, funded through the Boosting Business Innovation Program will provide research insights to inform action, advocacy and investment in women’s labour force participation on the Central Coast. This project will also identify key barriers and interventions among women not participating in the workforce, provide qualitative insights into barriers and enablers, and provide key recommendations to improve women’s economic opportunities and productivity in the Central Coast City.

Outcomes

A data-informed profile of female cohorts experiencing high rates of underemployment in the Central Coast City to assist with program and policy development.
Qualitative data to help identify the key barriers to women’s workforce participation specific to the unique socio-economic context of the Central Coast City.
Recommendations for action by governments, employers and community groups to improve women’s economic opportunities in the Central Coast City.

Priority research areas