Victoria’s economy is continuing to bounce back, with the latest employment figures showing women are leading the way.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics confirmed that 243,000 jobs have been created in Victoria since September 2020, with 147,000 being jobs for women.

Women are leading the return to the labour force, with female participation rates increasing 4.4 percentage points since September 2020, helping Victoria reach a record high overall participation rate of 66.9 per cent.

Female employment is booming in professional services, retail trade and hospitality, showing the government’s targeted recovery strategy is working.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $250 million to create around 10,000 jobs, with at least $150 million going towards getting women back in work – with extra assistance for women over 45 who face additional barriers.

The Labor Government’s pioneering Gender Equality Act is continuing to break down barriers, with $13 million going towards reducing inequality in the workplace and creating opportunities for women.

In more good news, the latest ABS figures show Victoria’s recovery is well on track with 6,200 people finding work in March alone.

Victorian workers were front and centre of the state’s recovery and were central to the Government’s unprecedented investment in job creation for those hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

More people have found a job in Victoria than any other state since the Labor Government was elected in November 2014, with employment increasing a staggering 18.0 per cent.