How Childcare Supports Greater Gender Equality in Australia
In Australia, achieving true gender equality in the workplace requires more than just policy—it demands practical support that addresses the unequal burden of caregiving. Childcare is a key piece of that puzzle.
With the introduction of new targets by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) in 2024, there's a renewed spotlight on the systemic changes required to support gender balance. One powerful solution? Employer-supported childcare.
The Gender Equality Gap: A Snapshot
Despite progress, women in Australia still shoulder the majority of unpaid caregiving. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, women spend 64% more time than men on unpaid work—including childcare. This imbalance directly impacts women’s workforce participation, income, and career progression.
The WGEA’s latest Gender Equality Scorecard revealed that:
The national gender pay gap remains at 21.7% (WGEA, 2024).
Women make up only 22% of CEOs and 33% of key management personnel.
Access to flexible work and paid parental leave is still inconsistent across industries.
To address this, WGEA introduced new gender equality targets in 2024, requiring companies with 500+ employees to report against gender equality indicators, including workforce composition and caregiving support measures.
The Role of Childcare in Driving Equality
Childcare is not just a family issue—it's an economic and gender equality issue. When families, particularly mothers, have access to reliable, affordable, and flexible childcare, they can:
Return to work sooner.
Take on full-time or higher-responsibility roles.
Continue progressing in their careers without long-term breaks.
A PwC Australia report found that improving women’s workforce participation could add up to $128 billion to Australia’s GDP annually.
Corporate Childcare Support: Leading the way with Kiddo Corporate Care
Forward-thinking companies are realising that providing childcare support is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a strategic necessity.
Kiddo Corporate Care is one such solution helping workplaces step up. Through this service, employers can offer:
Access to on-demand, vetted babysitters and nannies.
Support for emergency care and after-hours needs.
A scalable, cost-effective benefit for employees with children aged 0–12.
Partnering with Kiddo Corporate Care demonstrates a company's commitment to gender equality, talent retention, and family-friendly work environments.
What Employers can do
Employers looking to support gender equality should consider:
Integrating childcare support through platforms like Kiddo Corporate Care.
Promoting shared parental leave and flexible work for all genders.
Reviewing pay equity and advancement opportunities regularly.
Childcare is not just a social issue—it’s a gender equality driver. As the new WGEA targets hold employers more accountable, those that invest in real solutions like childcare support will not only close the gender gap faster but also reap the benefits of a more diverse, productive workforce.
Ready to make a difference?
Learn how Kiddo Corporate Care can support your team and help your business lead in gender equality.
Contact us now and we'd love to discuss how Kiddo can help your organisation today!
