WGEA Gender Equality Targets: How Kiddo Corporate Care Supports Working Parents

The Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap) Act 2023 has now passed Parliament. From 2026, large employers with 500 or more employees must select and make progress on at least three gender equality targets.

This significant reform will affect nearly 2,000 Australian employers and 3.9 million employees. The changes are designed to accelerate progress on gender equity, close the gender pay gap, and improve workplace outcomes for women — particularly working parents and carers.

This article outlines how Kiddo Corporate Care helps employers meet WGEA gender equality targets by offering flexible, scalable childcare as a meaningful employee benefit.

Understanding the 2025–2026 WGEA Gender Equality Target Reforms

As outlined in the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) media release of 27 March 2025, employers must select from a menu of numeric and action-based targets, including:

• Reducing the gender pay gap
• Improving support for carers and parents
• Preventing sexual harassment
• Increasing representation of women in leadership
• Consulting employees on workplace equity initiatives

Organisations must demonstrate meaningful progress within a three-year reporting period or risk being publicly named as non-compliant and excluded from some Commonwealth contracts.

Why Childcare Is Central to Gender Equality at Work

One of the most impactful — and often overlooked — ways to address gender inequality is access to flexible childcare.

In Australia, caring responsibilities continue to disproportionately fall on women. When childcare arrangements fail, it is often mothers who reduce hours, decline promotions, or exit the workforce entirely — contributing directly to the gender pay gap.

• Higher female workforce participation
• Improved retention and engagement
• Reduced absenteeism
• Stronger gender equity outcomes

How Kiddo Corporate Care Helps Employers Meet WGEA Targets

Kiddo Corporate Care is a low-admin, scalable childcare solution designed to support modern Australian workplaces.

• On-demand, app-based childcare nationwide
• Verified babysitters, nannies and support workers
• Planned and emergency childcare coverage
• Childcare offered as an employee benefit or subsidy

Partnering with Kiddo directly supports the WGEA “support for carers” action area while helping close the gender pay gap.

Preparing for WGEA Reporting in 2026: What Employers Should Do Now

Employers must report their selected gender equality targets to WGEA between:

• April–May 2026 (private sector)
• September–October 2026 (public sector)

Key steps to take now:

• Review carer and equity policies
• Identify gaps impacting working parents
• Implement measurable, practical benefits
• Partner with childcare providers offering national scale

🎯 Need Support Meeting WGEA Gender Equality Targets?

Kiddo helps employers demonstrate real action — not just intent — when it comes to supporting working parents and carers.