Women’s workforce participation at record levels

The participation rate of women in the Australian workforce has once again reached record highs of 63.4 per cent, according to today’s ABS Labour Force statistics.

The April 2025 figures show employment grew by 89,000 overall, and the unemployment rate remained at 4.1 per cent, in seasonally adjusted terms.

The rise in employment was strongest for women workers, increasing by 65,000, including 42,000 full-time jobs.

The data indicates the Federal Government’s commitment to Early Childhood Education and Care and working women’s rights is helping more women to find and stay in secure jobs.

Quotes attributable to ACTU President, Michele O’Neil:

“More women are in secure work than ever before, and that’s making a real difference to the lives of households and the Australian economy.

“Permanent work provides reliable hours, secure wages, and the economic stability that workers rely on to plan for the future.

“The consistently strong growth in women’s workforce participation shows the importance of better access to Early Childhood Education and Care and improvements in workplace rights that support women.

“Women are still more likely to be in insecure and undervalued work, so there is still more important work to do to build on this progress and close gender gaps in employment and wages.”

ENDS