Gender equity: what the COAG report means for Australian nurses and midwives

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reform Council's recent report revealed that although women are living longer, some women are still experiencing health disparities compared to men. The report, 'Tracking equity: comparing outcomes for women and girls across Australia', examined whether Australian women and girls are benefiting from national reforms aimed at improving the lives of Australians and to track gender equity in the Australian context (COAG Reform Council, 2013). Key findings in the report highlighted several significant issues in which nurses and midwives need to consider in contemporary practice.