Champion gender equality with ARA’s latest member resource
In a significant step towards addressing gender disparities in the retail industry, the ARA today launched the Gender Equality Playbook. This comprehensive guide aims to provide retailers with a structured roadmap to develop actionable and effective gender equality strategies on their organisations.
The need for the playbook is underscored by the statistics that reveal systemic gender imbalances across Australia and our industry. Despite women comprising 56% of the retail workforce and holding up to 65% of frontline roles, the sector remains plagued by notable inequalities. Currently, the gender pay gap in retail stands at 7%, reflecting a broader issue of unequal pay that persists across the industry.
The situation is even more pronounced at the leadership level. Less than 25% of Australian retailers have a female CEO, and women occupy fewer than 30% of board positions. This disparity is concerning, especially when considering that women make up the majority of the retail workforce. The lack of female representation in key leadership roles not only hampers career progression for many women but also limits diverse perspectives at the decision-making table.
The playbook also addresses the critical issue of sexual harassment, a persistent and troubling problem within the sector. Recent reports reveal that 48% of women and 25% of men have experienced sexual harassment in retail settings. Alarmingly, 36% of these incidents involved harassment perpetrated by customers or clients. Such figures highlight a severe need for more robust policies and training to ensure a safer and more respectful work environment for all employees.
The ARA Gender Equality Playbook is designed to be a transformative tool for retailers, offering a step-by-step guide to creating and implementing effective gender equality action plans. It provides practical advice on overcoming barriers women face in the workplace, from addressing pay disparities to improving representation in leadership roles and combating harassment.
The playbook is not just a theoretical document but a practical guide built on real-world data and best practices. It includes strategies for setting measurable goals, creating supportive workplace cultures, and establishing clear accountability mechanisms. Retailers will find actionable insights on how to foster an inclusive environment where every employee, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to thrive.
By adopting the recommendations outlined in the Gender Equality Playbook, retailers can contribute to a more equitable industry and demonstrate their commitment to gender parity. The ARA’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change and a commitment to driving progress within the retail sector.
The ARA Gender Equality Playbook represents a crucial step towards addressing the persistent gender imbalances in retail. By providing a clear, actionable framework, it empowers retailers to make meaningful changes that will benefit both their employees and their business. Embracing these practices not only promotes fairness and inclusivity but also positions retailers as leaders in fostering a diverse and respectful workplace.
ARA Members can find the Gender Equality Playbook here.
