On September 5th, we launched a major report that shines a light on the reality of women working in industries historically dominated by men. Built from their stories, the report reveals the barriers we face at work and the powerful ways we’re already taking action to build fairer, safer workplaces for everyone.
From warehouses to production lines and building sites, more than 600 workers across Victoria shared what it’s like to face gender inequality at work.
“It turns out I’m good at it!” brings their experiences to the forefront, focusing on those of women and gender diverse workers. These workers aren’t just naming the problems: they’re organising to change them.
And while the challenges they describe are deeply gendered, the changes we’re fighting for would raise the standard for everyone.
What are we demanding? And how are we getting it done?
Ending toxic workplace cultures for good
Bringing more women into industries historically dominated by men is a vital first step, one that many workers highlighted. Several told us that being part of more mixed teams helped them feel supported and less alone.
“My company is hiring more women, and it actually helped by having someone I can relate to.”
- Female Wholesale Trade Worker
But these recruitment efforts mean little without real culture change. Too often, women are still seen as unfit for the job, pushed into admin roles or overlooked for leadership positions.
More than half of women workers we interrogated reported they faced gender discrimination at work.
“I have been told ‘Women don’t work in this area, you could get hurt.’ ‘Women don’t drive forklifts.’” Female Manufacturing Operator
“The men on the farm expect me to undertake tasks in the communal living environment that they see as menial.” Female Farm Worker
These accounts reveal a culture shaped by gender stereotypes. One that isolates, wears down and undermines women who are simply trying to do their job.
Fair pay. Real recognition. Equal chances to move up.
Women working in industries historically dominated by men often report higher satisfaction with their pay, and for good reason. These sectors are generally better paid. On average, workers earn around $30 000 more per year than in female-dominated sectors like education or care.
But even in higher-paying industries, inequality runs deep. Over 40% of women and gender diverse workers in our survey believed they were paid less than their male colleagues in the same roles.
“I’m paid by $30K-$50K less than my male coworkers (same job role and I’m more qualified)”
- Female Electricity, Gas, Water amd Waste Services Worker
Workers pointed to clear patterns in why women are paid less: outdated assumptions about women’s abilities, limited access to overtime and penalty shifts, and overrepresentation in insecure part-time or casual roles. And when it comes to leadership positions, women are routinely shut out.
“My managers would often tell me that they prioritise training/promotions for men with families.”
– Female Transport Worker
From lockers to uniforms, too many workplaces still aren’t built for women
Across surveys and focus groups, one barrier came up again and again: basic workplace facilities are still not designed to be women-friendly.
Toilets, change rooms, uniforms and PPE were the most common sources of frustration. Some women told us they had no access to appropriate bathrooms. Others were forced to wear gear that didn’t fit or felt unsafe in poorly designed amenities.
“What’s the use in a quota when we get one toilet and awardrobe sized change-room when the males get four toilets and a change-room the size of half my house! Who’s asking why there are no females in the leadership team? Who’s asking why majority of the women have been put on the same roster?”
- Female Transport, Postal and Warehousing Worker
Caring for your family shouldn’t cost you your opportunity
Some women reported being asked inappropriate questions during job interviews, like whether they planned to have children. Others said they’d been denied full-time work because they were already mothers.
Discrimination linked to pregnancy or care responsibilities came through clearly in both survey data and interviews. And while flexible work is legally protected, many told us it remains difficult to access in practice, with little meaningful support.
Some workers said that even when flexible work arrangements were granted, they felt there were consequences: like being treated differently or discouraged from asking again.
This lack of support doesn’t just impact women. Men, too, are held back by a workplace culture that punishes care. More than two in five men we surveyed said they wanted more flexible work options. The right to work flexibly is still far from being a reality for all.
You can’t stand up for your rights if you don't know what they are
Most workers aren’t given information about their rights from employers, especially when it comes to recent changes like family and domestic violence leave, parental leave, or flexible work. More than 1 in 10 said they hadn’t heard of them at all.
Nearly half of people (44%) told us they learned about their rights through their union. The media came next at 42%, while just 7% got that information from their manager.
Unions don’t just fight for better pay and conditions. They inform, connect, and build power. Workers told us that being union members gave them the knowledge and confidence to stand up, speak out, and push back. For many women, joining their union didn’t just make a difference. It changed everything.
This report makes one thing clear: women and gender diverse workers know what needs to change, and they’re already doing the work.
When they're backed by strong unions and supportive colleagues, they’re not just surviving in workplaces never designed for them.
They’re reshaping them for good.