COVID-19: an opportunity to reset policy levers for better gender equality in the economy and society

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion on economic incentives and social norms that have contributed to the changing participation of women in the Australian labour market. While that participation continues to increase there is still more that can be done to improve equality and equity in the workforce that will contribute to national productivity and income. COVID-19 offers the opportunity of looking freshly at changing social norms and our economic policies to maintain and reward the participation of women in the labour market. Australia as a nation will be better off and families and children likewise.

JEL Codes: J16, J18, J2