A new CEDA report that examines the unequal distribution of male and female workers across and within job types provides a useful summary of the drivers of gendered workplaces.  CEDA analyses the impact of gender stereotyping, hiring practices, education opportunities, migration, and the ‘motherhood penalty’ on the distribution of women across occupations.  They propose formalising flexibility policies, strengthening compliance reporting and mentoring more women into we’ll paying STEM jobs.  

Angela Priestley in Women's Agenda suggests a different approach.  Efforts to increase women in male-dominated professions like construction, mining and STEM-related fields by creating more family-friendly environments, should be complemented by placing greater value on sectors that are dominated by women like nursing, aged care and early childhood education.  If boys [and men] were encouraged into the caring professions, would there be a commensurate increase in pay and conditions that benefits both women and men?  Something to debate at your next club meeting.