A new Australian report shows that greater participation of women in the work force could boost the nation’s GDP by 11%. FOr this to happen, both men and women need to be paid equally and to work flexibly.

According to the Motherhood, Career and Identity blog, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick stated, “Greater participation of women in the Australian workforce would be a lucrative move for our economy”. The report, entitled, “Australia’s Hidden Resource: The Economic Case for Increasing Female Participation”highlights that while raising participation is vital, bridging the gulf between historic male and female productivity rates has the potential to boost the level of economic activity by over 20%. Commissioner Broderick said that the solution did not lie in making it necessary for women to work like men. It lies in both genders being able to work, and be remunerated, equally in the industries in which they wished to work, without being judged by or buying into stereotypes about gender and particular industries. It also lies with the opportunity to work flexibly so that both genders can involve themselves successfully in paid work and care. Read more from Karen Miles’ blog.