Funded research project 2024: targets pilot

The Commission is sharing early findings from its research project, Setting, implementing and achieving gender equality targets, which looks at how gender equality targets can work in the Victorian public sector.

Led by Professor Michelle Ryan from the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at ANU, the research identifies four key supports targets need to succeed: good data systems, intersectional thinking, strong leadership, and staff engagement and communication.

Key findings included:

• Good data systems make targets real by helping organisations find problems and track change.
• Intersectional thinking makes strategies more inclusive by looking at how different types of disadvantage compound.
• Strong leadership and resources turn goals into action when leaders get involved and take action, with clear targets, dedicated teams, and funding.
• Engaged staff and regular communication build momentum when staff are involved from the start.

To make real progress, organisations should set clear targets, use good data, work with an intersectional mindset, invest in leadership and resources, and involve their people.

More information

You can read more about the project in our news article: 2024 research grant awarded.(opens in a new window)