Federal parliament is examining gender equality as a national and economic security imperative, and will hold its first public hearing on Friday.
A committee will hear from government departments responsible for Australia's foreign policy, defence and national security.
In a submission to the inquiry, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade notes Australia's approach to embedding gender equality in foreign policy is critical to building trust with regional partners and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific.
"Failing to integrate gender equality and social inclusion into Australia's strategic posture risks undermining our influence and credibility in the region," DFAT's submission states.
"Amid intensifying geopolitical competition, climate driven disasters and economic volatility across the IndoPacific, countries with inclusive societies are better equipped to maintain stability, protect development gains, prevent conflict and build resilient economies."
Yet experts say previous policies to address gender inequality concentrated on managing its impacts rather than addressing structures that allow inequality to persist.
"Evidence consistently demonstrates that gender inequality is driven by deeply embedded gender roles and stereotypes that shape expectations about care, work, leadership, economic value, health and safety," Australian Gender Equality Council chair Coral Ross said.
"The current global environment makes it imperative that there is intervention at these foundational levels, and without it progress toward gender equality will remain slow and uneven and may even go backwards."
The Global Institute for Women's Leadership also warned women faced a "diplomatic glass cliff", despite reaching parity within Australian diplomacy.
Power and resources in Australia's international affairs had shifted toward agencies such as defence and home affairs, where women were least represented, institute deputy director Elise Stephenson said in a submission to the committee.
"This creates a gendered imbalance: women occupy leadership roles in diplomacy just as its functional power declines, while men continue to dominate the growing national security and intelligence sectors," Dr Stephenson said.
"The result is a 'diplomatic glass cliff' where the securitisation of Australia's international affairs reinforce men's access to power and limit the impact of women's progress in foreign affairs, trade and defence."
The inquiry also marks 25 years since the United Nations Security Council adopted the Women, Peace and Security agenda and aims to explore how Australia can better contribute to efforts to achieve gender equality worldwide.
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