This Institute for Sustainable Futures report (University of Technology Sydney) examines commitment to promising initiatives and tools put in place by governments and companies to achieve the best results in terms of creating equal employment opportunities and inclusive workplaces. The report outlines a series of case studies linked to real outcomes in terms of staff well-being and company benefits that demonstrate real traction in resolving this issue.

A recent EU survey report highlights:

• pervasive segregation in the labour market.

• persistent stereotypes fuelled by inadequate work-life balances policies.

• discrimination allowed by a lack of transparency.

The ILO reports that the gender pay gap cannot be explained by labour market characteristics that normally influence pay rates and insists that education levels in most countries is not the issue. So what factors do explain the gender pay disparities?

The benefits for economies are substantial in revitalising company employment and boosting productivity. The ISF report assists in:

• articulating a clear case for gender balancing initiatives at economy, company and individual levels

• indicating the benefits of gender balance for employment achieving company goals.

• ensuring economic incentives exist for mothers to work.

The commitment to increase participation of women in employment is almost universal. What is lacking is granular evidence of the application of successful initiatives that achieve this.