Girls thriving at school, but disadvantaged at work

The first report to COAG on the status of women and girls in Australia has revealed a baffling contrast between good gains in women’s education and the continued lack of opportunity in the workforce.

Launching the report in Melbourne today, council Chairman, the Hon John Brumby, said the report found that women and girls are ahead of their male peers up until the end of school.

“Why is it when we have structured and supportive equality inherent in the education system, girls flourish? Yet, once out in the employment market they have to fight to have their value realised,” Mr Brumby said.

The council’s report finds that girls are developmentally more prepared than boys before starting school, have higher average school performance and are more likely to complete Year 12. And for the first time, more women under 30 are attaining higher level qualifications than their male peers.

See full Press Release: http://www.coagreformcouncil.gov.au/media/releases/2013-11-19