EMILY's List

Gender Gap Research


'The quality of Gender Gap Research commissioned by EMILY's List was invaluable in helping me shape Labour campaigns to meet the needs of women'.

-The Hon Jenny Macklin MP,
Minister for Community, Families, Indigenous Affairs

Winning the women's vote

When Labor wins the women's vote, it wins government. We assist Labor to win the women's vote by undertaking strategic Gender Gap Research.

EMILY's List uses our Gender Gap Research to inform Labor's election and government policy development and practice. We share this research with
EMILY's List supported candidates, to ensure that their campaigns are winning campaigns.

"Part of good policy development should be based not only on values and the collection of evidence, statistics and information, but, fundamentally, on an understanding of the experiences and circumstances of those for whom policy is developed...To deal with these issues – and the many others we face as a nation – we need progressive women, brave women, women of purpose and passion. We need you".

- Dr Carmen Lawrence, Member or Fremantle 1994-2007; First Woman Premier of Western Australia 1990-1993

Gender Gap Research – Building a Bridge

Prior to each Federal Election and, pending funding and/sponsorship, selected state elections, EMILY's List engages a reputable polling company to conduct face to face focus groups with women in metropolitan and regional marginal seats. The focus groups discuss a number of identified issues affecting women, as well as seek their views and ideas on policy solutions.

Gender Gap Research is more than polling. It is in depth, primary research that identifies what women want, need and expect from government. It is an essential contribution to good policy and good government. It is fed directly into the heart of ALP policy making through EMILY's List members who are in Parliament.

Our Gender Gap Research Fund strengthens our ability to:

  1. Ensure that Labor in government meets the needs and expectations of women;
  2. Assist more progressive Labor women to be elected to Parliament;
  3. Work in coalition with the ACTU, and community and women's groups to achieve and improve:
  • paid maternity leave,
  • affordable and accessible to quality child care,
  • pay equity,
  • abortion law reform and
  • and a society based on human rights.

Find out more about how you can contribute to the Vera Fowler Gender Gap Research Fund. Download our brochure here

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