The experiences of Women of Colour in Australian workplaces have long been shaped by a combination of race and gender. However, new statistics reveal that despite growing awareness and legal frameworks, such as Anti-Discrimination and Respect@Work laws, the barriers to achieving true equity remain significant.
In a groundbreaking report, over 1,000 Women of Colour across Australia shared their personal stories and experiences in the workplace. The findings paint a picture of persistent discrimination and structural challenges that continue to affect this group of highly educated and engaged individuals. As organisations aim to address issues of diversity and inclusion (DEI), it's clear that meaningful change is still a long way off.
Key Statistics:
- 1,004 Women of Colour participated in the survey.
- 2 in 3 Women of Colour (68.4%) have experienced discrimination in the workplace, nearly a 10% increase from 2021 (59.6%).
- 93.8% of these experiences are rooted in racism, highlighting the compounded impact of race and gender discrimination in the workplace.
- 40.7% of Women of Colour do not have or are unsure about the availability of effective mechanisms to report discrimination.
- Only 29.7% feel confident that serious and appropriate action would be taken if they reported discrimination.
- Engagement does not equal retention: Despite engagement, structural issues in organisations continue to cause high turnover rates. The top three reasons for intention to leave are: lack of career progression and opportunities; discrimination, racism, and bias; and job insecurity and temporary positions.
- 64.8% of Women of Colour actively navigate multiple identities at work, with 33.2% reporting exhaustion and fatigue.
- 54.4% have caregiving roles, demonstrating the need for flexible work and support structures.
Implications for Organisations
These statistics underscore the urgent need for organisations to take meaningful action to address the systemic barriers faced by Women of Colour. This includes implementing robust anti-discrimination policies, creating safe reporting mechanisms, and fostering a culture of inclusion where all employees feel valued and supported.
At Equi Consultancy Partners, we are committed to supporting organisations in creating workplaces where Women of Colour can thrive. Our evidence-based approach to DEI helps organisations identify and address the structural barriers that contribute to these disparities, creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces for all.