Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into Gender Equality as a National Security and Economic Security Imperative

Gender equality is not only a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment in national security, economic resilience and international stability. Evidence shows that societies with greater gender equality experience lower levels of violence, face reduced risks of violent extremism and are better placed to achieve sustainable economic growth. Gender equality is integral to a values-based foreign policy that advances inclusive principles, human rights, racial equality, religious freedom and mutual respect (True and Ernest, 2024).

Australia's commitment to gender equality demands more than the numerical inclusion of women in leadership or institutions. It calls for balancing state sovereignty with human security, rights protection and preventive diplomacy to promote prosperity and avert armed conflict. Gender equality investments strengthen Australia's alliance-building, diplomatic engagement and crisis response.

Why this matters for Australia now: Australia's strategic environment is increasingly shaped by instability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, climate-related displacement, conflict-related sexual violence, and intensifying competition over values, governance, and influence. Gender equality is not peripheral to these challenges. It is central to Australia's capacity to promote stability, prevent conflict and exercise credible regional leadership.

This submission, prepared by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), brings together leading Australian and international researchers across economics, political science and international relations, public health and development studies. Our evidence draws from:

• The Women's Safety Index (WSI), a cross-national measure developed by CEVAW researchers
• Large-scale surveys across Asia-Pacific countries on gender norms and violent extremism
• Research on climate-smart agriculture, food security, and labour markets
• Studies on religious leadership, conflict-related sexual violence, and humanitarian response
• Research with local women's human rights defenders and advocates
• Analysis of Australia's aid effectiveness and diplomatic engagement

Key evidence demonstrates that:

• Gender equality strengthens national and regional security by enhancing crisis resilience, conflict prevention, and institutional stability
• The economic gains of gender equality are substantial: closing gender gaps in employment and working hours could raise GDP per capita by up to 12 per cent over two decades
• Violence against women is a security issue: hostile sexist attitudes are among the strongest predictors of support for violent extremism
• Climate change and humanitarian crises disproportionately affect women and girls, with gender inequality amplifying vulnerability and slowing recovery
• Locally led leadership, including religious and community leadership, plays a critical but under-utilised role in advancing gender equality and preventing violence

Australia's credibility and influence in the Indo-Pacific depend on demonstrating leadership through evidence-based, gender-responsive foreign, defence and development policy

1. Economic and National Security Benefits

1.1 Integrate gender equality metrics into all national security assessments and foreign policy strategy documents

1.2 Establish cross-government coordination mechanisms linking foreign affairs, defence, development, and women’s policy

1.3 Invest in research and evidence generation on the security implications of gender inequality in the Indo-Pacific

1.4 Leverage gender equality as a competitive advantage in regional diplomacy and trade

2. Links Between Gender Equality and Economic Growth

2.1 Support women farmers through targeted access to land, credit, technology, and extension services

2.2 Invest in closing gender pay gaps across all industries, with particular focus on non-managerial workers

2.3 Embed gender-disaggregated data collection as standard practice across economic sectors

3. Security Implications of Undermining Gender Equality

3.1 Integrate gender equality into climate adaptation and disaster preparedness

3.2 Ensure gender-responsive humanitarian assistance, including sexual and reproductive health services

3.3 Establish minimum service packages for sexual and reproductive health at the onset of crises

3.4 Support locally led women’s organisations as first responders and sources of stability and democracy

4. Locally Led Leadership and Decision-Making

4.1 Develop strategic partnerships with religious organisations for gender equality and violence prevention

4.2 Support locally defined approaches to conflict-related sexual violence while ensuring survivor protection

4.3 Implement digital safety training for women leaders

5. Australian Government Efforts

5.1 Increase gender balance in diplomatic appointments

5.2 Include civil society and academic representatives in Women, Peace and Security delegations

5.3 Work with regional partners on gender-responsive displacement and protection frameworks

6. Women, Peace and Security Agenda

6.1 Resource the Australian Women, Peace and Security Coalition

6.2 Strengthen implementation of Australia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

6.3 Invest in Indo-Pacific research on Women, Peace and Security, conflict-related sexual violence, and violent extremism

6.4 Support grassroots women’s organisations as WPS implementers, including in climate and disaster policy

6.5 Support women-led organisations to advocate for rights and safeguard civic space in autocracies