When developing gender equality action plans (GEAPs), duty holders must take into account the:
- gender equality principles, and
- gender pay equity principles
Gender equality principles
The gender equality principles are set out in the Gender Equality Act 2020. They explain the goals of gender equality. They link these goals to human rights.
The gender equality principles help create a shared understanding of what gender equality means. They show its benefits and why it is important.
They raise key issues that relate to gender equality. For example, how it can be compounded by other forms of discrimination.
Duty holders need to take the principles into account by using them in their gender equality work. This could include guiding decision-making, policy development, actions and practice.
The gender equality principles are:
- All Victorians should live in a safe and equal society, have access to equal power, resources and opportunities and be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
- Gender equality benefits all Victorians regardless of gender.
- Gender equality is a human right and precondition to social justice.
- Gender equality brings significant economic, social and health benefits to Victoria.
- Gender equality is a precondition for the prevention of family violence and other forms of violence against women and girls.
- Advancing gender equality is a shared responsibility across the Victorian community.
- All human beings, regardless of gender, should be free to develop their abilities, pursue their professional careers and make choices about their lives without being limited by gender stereotypes, gender roles or prejudices.
- Gender inequality may be compounded by other forms of disadvantage or discrimination based on Aboriginality, age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other attributes.
- Women have historically experienced discrimination and disadvantage based on sex and gender.
- Special measures may be necessary to achieve gender equality.
Pay equity principles
The gender pay equity principles are described in the Gender Equality Regulations 2020. They create a shared understanding of pay equity. They show how to put pay equity into practice.
The pay equity principles are:
- equal pay for work of equal or comparable value, which refers to work valued as equal or similar in terms of skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, including different types of work
- employment and pay practices are free from bias and discrimination, including the effects of unconscious bias and assumptions based on gender
- employment and pay practices, pay rates and systems are transparent, and information about these matters is readily accessible and understandable
- employment and pay practices recognise and account for different patterns of labour force participation by employees who undertake unpaid or caring work
- interventions and solutions are collectively developed and agreed to, sustainable and enduring;
- employees, unions, and employers work collaboratively to achieve mutually agreed outcomes.
For the Act, pay means remuneration. It includes but is not limited to salary, bonuses, overtime, allowances and superannuation.
For further guidance on how to use the principles, visit Step 4(opens in a new window) of the 2026 gender equality action plan (GEAP) guidance(opens in a new window).
Updated