by FilmInk Staff
The 2025 Women in Media Industry Insight Report has added a timely new dimension, capturing for the first time how women working in the Australian media industry perceive the impact of recent gender equity reforms and international shifts in diversity policy.
The expanded survey explored three critical areas:
•WGEA mandatory pay transparency reporting
•Implementation of the Respect@Work legislation
•The ramifications of US Government and corporate pullback from DEI commitments
Key new findings include:
WGEA Reporting: Transparency, but limited traction 74% of women say their employer has not clearly communicated or taken action to address gender pay gaps despite public reporting obligations. Only 26% report seeing tangible steps taken.
Respect@Work: Awareness without change 78% of respondents say they’ve seen no change in how harassment, bullying or discrimination are handled in their workplace since the introduction of Respect@Work reforms. Only 20% observed some signs of improvement.
DEI Backlash in the US: Growing concern in Australia A significant portion of respondents (78%) reported no change or were unsure if global shifts in DEI have influenced their own workplaces. However, 15% said they’ve noticed a positive shift, suggesting early-stage impacts worth watching.
Petra Buchanan, Strategic Advisor at Women in Media and lead author of the report, said these new additions reflect the evolving context in which women are building their careers.
“Policy alone isn’t enough. This year we asked new questions to get a clearer picture of whether the structural levers for reform are resonating with women at work,” Buchanan said.
“The findings suggest that despite important legislative progress, the experience on the ground remains uneven. And with international pushback on DEI gaining visibility, women are watching closely. Now is the time for Australian media organisations to double down—not step back—from their equality commitments.”
The new lines of inquiry help deepen the annual benchmark of gender equity in the media and send a strong message to industry leaders.
“Employers now have data they can’t ignore. From pay transparency to cultural safety, women are looking for visible, sustained commitment to change,” Buchanan added.
Recommendations for Employers
●Commit to gender equity: Enhance transparency and commitment to gender equality in the workplace, including pay.
●Clearer pathways to promotion: Define and communicate career opportunities to aid progression.
●Stay the course: Maintain focus on reforms and close the communication gap.
●Elevate women: Increase leadership participation to tackle persistent structural imbalance.
Key Findings – 2025 Women in Media Industry Insight Report
●Career dissatisfaction: 59% of women feel uncertain or dissatisfied with career progress (▲2% from 2024).
●Intention to leave: 37% are considering quitting (▲3%). Attrition is highest among mid-career and senior women.
●Remuneration: Leading driver of attrition (29% ▲3%), followed by lack of opportunity (26%) and disengagement (16%).
●Perception of employer action: 74% haven’t seen clear steps on gender equity despite WGEA progress; 54% say industry shows a weak commitment to gender equality.
●Top career barriers: Lack of promotional opportunity (45% ▲7%), caregiving (19%), and lack of managerial support (17%).
●Daily challenges: Budget cuts (48%), workload (47%), and limited pathways to promotion (46%) persist.
●AI and upskilling: 71% feel positive about AI use; strong demand exists for training in negotiation, leadership and finance.
ABOUT THE WOMEN IN MEDIA INDUSTRY INSIGHT REPORT
The Women in Media Industry Insight Report is an annual, evidence-based analysis of women’s professional experiences in the Australian media industry. Based on a national survey of over 300 professionals, it captures key challenges, aspirations, and workplace realities. Respondents broadly reflect national population proportions. The voluntary sample maintains a standard margin of error. The report tracks trends, monitors multi-year shifts, and identifies areas for structural and cultural reform. The research aims to advance gender equality, expand leadership and economic opportunities for women, and foster safer, more respectful workplace cultures across Australia. It has been conducted annually by Women in Media since 2022. Survey analysis is conducted by research partner Isentia.
ABOUT WOMEN IN MEDIA Women in Media is a national DGR registered charity that exists to help women in media excel, learn, contribute and connect. With a community of more than 6,700 and branches in each state and territory, we represent women working in all facets of the media including journalism, communications, production, public relations, advertising, marketing, publishing and digital media. Our initiatives aim to increase gender equality, extend leadership and economic participation opportunities for women, and build a safer, more respectful culture in Australian workplaces. For more information visit: www.womeninmedia.com.au.
WOMEN IN MEDIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
15 August 2025 – Sydney – Tickets on sale now.
Join leading voices across the industry: National Conference 2025
