Women represent just under half (46 per cent) of employees in Australia’s general workforce, however, in industries such as construction and mining women account for only 12 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.
The recently launched report, Women in male-dominated industries: A toolkit of strategies, is aimed at helping leaders in organisations develop and put into action strategies that increase the representation of women in non-traditional roles.
There are chapters that touch on attracting women to apply for jobs in male-dominated industries, recruitment, retention and development.
The Australian Human Rights Commission launched the strategy guide on May 21, with sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick stating that the underrepresentation of women in male-dominated industries is an issue that is having negative effects on the economy and industry performance.
Commissioner Broderick said that it isn’t just merely a report but an interactive website to encourage dialogue, engagement and sharing of approaches about increasing female representation in industries such as mining, utilities and construction.
“Australia ranks fourth in the world in talent shortages and many male-dominated industries are suffering a lack of skilled workers,” she said.
“Encouraging greater women’s participation in these industries is one solution that could go a long way to addressing these skills shortages.”
Females interested in taking up a trade may want to consider looking into apprenticeships in Queensland.
