cartoon of young women

Working with young women

Overview of the needs & issues

Young women face a range of disadvantages in comparison to young men.

Despite advances in economic and social standing in recent decades women continue to face disadvantage in a range of areas.

In comparison to men, women are more likely to:

  • earn lower incomes. On average, women who work full time earn only 85% of the wage earned by their male counterparts. ($772.10 per week compared to $910.50 per week). 6
  • earn lower earnings, on average, in each occupation. 6
  • be under-represented in management positions. Only a quarter of all management positions are occupied by women. 10
  • work part time. 46% of women work part time compared to 15% of males. 4
  • combine part time work with family responsibilities. 4
  • be under-represented in local, state and Australian governments. Women hold only 24 - 31% of elected government positions. 10
  • be underrepresented in sport and physical activity. 10
  • bear most of the responsibility for child raising. For example, 83% of lone parents are women. 2

Physical and sexual violence
Many women face physical or sexual violence.

30% of women over the age of 18 have experienced physical violence since age 15. 18% have experienced sexual violence. 10

This violence is predominately perpetrated by someone known to the victim, usually a partner or former partner.

In a study of physical violence against women it was revealed that this was carried out by:

- 15.9 % current partner
- 51.2 % previous partner
- 10.8% boyfriend or date
- 10.7% family member
- 8.2% friend. 10

Sexual violence was carried out by:

- 3.6% current partner
- 21.5% previous partner
- 34.1% boyfriend or date
- 26.5% friend
- 8.3% family member
- 7.4% boss or co-worker
- 22.3% stranger. 10

Aboriginal women experience physical and sexual violence at higher rates than other women. Aboriginal women are four times more likely to experience assault.

A significant proportion of women do not use public transport at night or walk alone at night because they feel unsafe. 10

More information on the needs of young women is outlined in the Young Parents section, the Migrant and Refugee section, and the Early School Leavers section of this manual.