Housing is one of the most important foundations for safety, stability and economic participation. Yet across Australia, the housing crisis is exposing deep structural inequalities, including the ways housing insecurity is experienced differently by women and gender-diverse people.
Housing systems are not gender neutral. Women are more likely to experience economic insecurity across their lives due to lower average earnings, time out of the workforce for caring responsibilities, and lower levels of accumulated superannuation. Gender-based violence also remains a leading cause of homelessness for women and children. These structural factors shape housing security, affordability and access in ways that affect women differently.
As a result, gender-neutral approaches to housing policy, investment and program design often fail to address, and can unintentionally reinforce, existing inequalities. Applying a gender lens can strengthen decision-making by challenging assumptions, identifying gaps in data and analysis, and ensuring that housing policies, investments and programs respond to the realities of people’s lives.
Encouragingly, momentum is building across the housing ecosystem. Governments across Australia are advancing gender equality strategies and recognising the importance of safe and secure housing as part of broader social and economic participation. Investors are increasing capital towards social and affordable housing, seeking both financial and social returns. Philanthropy continues to play an important role in supporting innovation, convening collaboration and ensuring lived experience informs policy and investment decisions.
This roadmap is intended as a practical resource for organisations across these sectors. It outlines short, medium and long-term actions to help integrate gender considerations into strategies, investments and organisational practices. While the pathways will differ across sectors, the goal is shared: a housing system that works better for everyone.
Australians Investing in Women
Australians Investing In Women (AIIW) is a leading not-for-profit that strengthens society by catalysing greater capital across philanthropy and investment for women and girls. To find out more about AIIW, visit their website here.