Australian women have accounted for the 56% of all jobs lost, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, says Freelancing Gems.
Job losses coupled with more time at home as primary caregivers and the current economic opportunities have seen women disproportionately disadvantaged around the world.
Freelancing Gems is creating more opportunities for women with the launch of Australia’s first online jobs platform dedicated to female freelancers this month.
Over 1000 women signed up on the first weekend to join the waitlist, showing the great desire to get work back.
“Since we soft launched our business 8 weeks ago, we have already successfully assisted Australian employers connect with their next hire – of the job ads we have listed, 90% of employers have said they have employed a Freelancing Gem member within a week and their roles have been advertised in multiple locations,” explains CEO of Freelancing Gems, Fleur Madden.
“I read an article last year that said female consultants charge 38% less than our male counterparts which I found particularly alarming, given the equal pay for equal work and pay disparity conversations that are so important.
“Apparently, women didn’t feel they had the right tools or information to charge what they are worth.”
Work, and the future of work as we know it has changed significantly, and Ms Madden says, “We know employers are keen to get back to work and they will be considering consultants or project work for some time to come.
“We urge all companies serious about diversity and supporting women at work to be part of this story on how Australia helped women in the work force at a time we needed it the most.”
For more information or to sign up for the wait list, click here.