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Our latest report, We’ve Been Robbed: Young Women and Gender Diverse People’s Housing Experiences and Solutions, highlights the urgent housing crisis affecting young Australians, particularly young women and gender diverse people. From unaffordable housing to unsafe living conditions, the report reveals a deeply concerning reality that requires immediate attention.

Read the full report
Pages from We've been robbed - YWCA report V6

Key findings from the report

Access to Housing is Extremely Difficult


Young women and gender diverse people face major barriers in securing housing, often encountering discrimination and feeling pressured to hide their gender identities during rental applications.


Unaffordable and Insecure Housing


Despite working full-time or holding multiple jobs, many young women and gender diverse people cannot afford stable housing. The fear of eviction and unmanageable rent increases is constant.


Poor Housing Conditions


Many young women and young gender diverse people are living in substandard housing with issues like mould, structural damage, and unsafe environments, which put their health and safety at risk.


Safety Concerns


Gender-based violence and unsafe home environments are common, highlighting the need for structural solutions that ensure safety for young women and gender diverse people.


Impact on Future Planning

Housing insecurity affects every aspect of life, making it difficult for young people to plan for their future, whether it’s pursuing education, securing employment, or starting a family. The psychological toll is significant, leaving many feeling trapped and anxious.

Solutions for a Gender-Equal Housing Future

This report doesn’t just highlight the challenges—it also presents clear solutions developed in partnership with YWCA’s Young Women’s Council. Their insights have helped shape these recommendations, which we urge the government to adopt.

Key Recommendations

  • Housing as a Human Right Recognise housing as a fundamental right and implement policies that guarantee safe, secure and affordable homes for all.
  • Gender Responsive Housing Expand the availability of housing that prioritises safety and security for women and gender diverse people.
  • Youth Representation Ensure that young women and gender diverse people are actively involved in housing policy decisions.
  • Culturally Safe Housing Ensure self-determined, culturally safe housing for First Nations women and gender diverse people.
  • Place-Based Solutions Develop tailored housing solutions that address the unique needs of regional and remote communities, including access to essential services and support.
  • Mental Health Support Provide targeted mental health services to address the psychological effects of housing insecurity.
  • Educational Hubs Create accessible information hubs to guide young people through rental rights, homeownership, and financial literacy.
  • Cost of Living Relief Provide immediate financial relief by raising JobSeeker payments and significantly increasing social housing investment.

Learn more about how we can create a more gender equal housing future.

Read the full Policy Brief

How You Can Help

Write to Your MP: Urge them to address the housing crisis for young women and young gender diverse people.

Share the Report: Spread awareness by sharing the report on social media. Check out our Facebook and Instagram for posts.

View our Resource Kit

Thank you for your support in the fight for safe, affordable, and secure housing. Together, and guided by the voices of young women and gender diverse people, we can drive real change and create a gender-equal housing future.

YWCA Australia wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work, live and play and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise First Nations people as the custodians of the lands, seas and skies, with more than 60,000 years of wisdom, connection and relationship in caring for Country.

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