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https://theconversation.com/western-sydneys-childcare-desert-locks-women-out-of-the-workforce-universal-childcare-could-be-a-game-changer-233446>
"Momentum is growing for the Australian government to provide universal early
childhood education and care – free or very-low-cost childcare for all
families.
Access to quality, affordable childcare can help parents join or remain in the
workforce – particularly women, who still perform the majority of unpaid
household work.
Our recent report examined women’s labour force participation in Western
Sydney, Australia’s third-largest economy.
A lack of accessible and affordable early childhood education and care services
makes most of the region a childcare “desert” and contributes to lower labour
force participation rates for women – 65% in Western Sydney compared to 76% in
the rest of the city.
Limited local employment options, long commute times and structural
discrimination are further barriers women in Western Sydney face when juggling
caring responsibilities.
Our research suggests universal childcare could play a huge role in tackling
the stubborn labour and wealth inequalities that persist across Western Sydney,
and other regions facing similar challenges nationally."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
