Our vision
This strategy is the Victorian Government’s action plan to encourage more women and girls to pursue a career in manufacturing, while supporting employers, unions and peak bodies to create a fair and accessible working environment for everyone.
It was developed in response to the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into economic equity for Victorian women released in 2022, which highlighted the importance of women’s participation and equity in male-dominated sectors.
The strategy outlines:
- what gender equity looks like in practice
- how to address barriers that prevent women working in manufacturing
- how to attract, recruit, retain and support women to thrive in Victoria’s manufacturing workforce.
What we aim to achieve
The strategy focuses on the following priority action areas:
- clear and appealing pathways for women and girls
- access to education and training for women and girls
- support for economic equity and leadership opportunities
- accountability for workplace safety, culture, diversity and wellbeing.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry
The manufacturing industry is critical to Victoria’s economy. It is a major employer, export earner and driver of new technology and innovation. However, women currently make up only one-third of the Victorian manufacturing workforce. Women are particularly underrepresented in trade-based, technical, STEM and leadership roles.
Meanwhile, many Victorian manufacturers are currently struggling to find enough people with the right skills, such as engineers, welders, fabricators and fitters. This strategy is a partnership with industry to address the underrepresentation of women in Victoria’s manufacturing sector and respond to skills shortages in this critical industry.
How we can work together to create change
The strength of Making it equal relies on continued commitment across the industry – everyone has a role to play, and everyone benefits from gender equality.
Updated