It's time to talk about National Equal Pay Day. This day is celebrated on March 31st every year in Australia. It's a day to bring attention to the gender pay gap and to raise awareness of the ongoing fight for equal pay for women. In Australia, the gender pay gap stands at 13.4%, which means that women, on average, earn 13.4% less than their male counterparts. This disparity is even greater for Indigenous women, migrant women, and women with disabilities. The good news is that progress is being made towards closing the gap.It's a sobering statistic, but it's important that we talk about it, and take action to close the gap.
Australian women earn less than men, with a national gender pay gap of 13.4%.
Let's start with a little history
The origins of National Equal Pay Day go back to the United States, where it was first recorded in 1996. It was created by the National Committee on Pay Equity to raise awareness of the gender pay gap and to promote equal pay for women. Since then, National Equal Pay Day has been acknowledged in many countries around the world, including Australia.
Women retire with an average of 47% less superannuation than men.
Why is the gender pay gap still an issue in Australia?
There are many factors that contribute to the gap, including discrimination, unconscious bias, and the undervaluing of jobs that are predominantly done by women. The pay gap is also wider for women of colour, women with disabilities, and women in certain industries.
On average, women earn $241.50 less per week than men.
One of the biggest contributors to the gender pay gap is the fact that women are more likely to take time out of the workforce to care for children or elderly relatives. This can result in a loss of income, as well as a loss of opportunities for career advancement. Women also tend to be concentrated in lower-paying industries and occupations.
Women in their 20s earn 7.9% less than men, while women aged 55 & over earn 17.6% less than men.
But the gender pay gap isn't just a women's issue – it's an issue that affects all of us. When women are paid less than men, it has a ripple effect throughout the entire economy. It can result in women being less able to save for retirement, being more likely to live in poverty, and being less able to provide for their families. It also means that women are less able to invest in their education and professional development, which can limit their career opportunities.
What can we do to close the gender pay gap?
The good news is that there are many steps we can take, both individually and as a society, to promote equal pay for women. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Educate yourself and others about the gender pay gap: The first step to closing the gap is to understand why it exists in the first place. Learn about the factors that contribute to the gap, and share your knowledge with others.
Negotiate your salary: When you're starting a new job or negotiating a raise, do your research and make sure you're being paid fairly. Don't be afraid to negotiate – it can make a big difference in your earning potential.
Support companies that promote gender equality: Look for companies that have policies in place to promote gender equality, such as flexible working arrangements and equal pay for equal work. Support these companies by buying their products and services.
Advocate for policy change: Write to your local MP or participate in campaigns that advocate for policy change to promote gender equality. Policies such as paid parental leave and affordable childcare can make a big difference in closing the gender pay gap.
Support other women: We can all play a role in promoting gender equality by supporting and mentoring other women. If you're in a position of influence, use your power to advocate for other women and to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The largest pay gap is found in the financial & insurance services industry at 24.1%. The smallest pay gap is in the mining industry at 7.2%.
Thriving Despite the Pay Gap
Despite the ongoing issue of the gender pay gap, women can still thrive in their careers and achieve their goals. It starts with taking charge of your finances, negotiating your salary, and advocating for equal pay.
Remember that you are valuable and deserving of fair compensation. Don't let the gender pay gap discourage you from pursuing your dreams and advancing in your career. With determination and a willingness to advocate for change, we can work towards a future where equal pay is a reality.
National Equal Pay Day serves as an important reminder of the gender pay gap and its impact on women in Australia. We must continue to push for progress and work towards closing the gap, both through individual action and systemic change. By empowering ourselves and others to demand what we deserve, we can be unstoppable in pursuing equal pay.
Expand your knowledge about this topic
- Why Men Earn More: The Startling Truth Behind the Pay Gap -- and What Women Can Do About It
- The Gender Pay Gap: Understanding the Numbers
- Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: Investigate the origins and causes of gender-based bias and the actions taken to combat it in this free online course.