Disturbing figures released today by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) warn there is an unacceptably large pay disparity between the sexes in the top 200 companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX200). Futher down the ladder, the news isn’t much better for women with females still earning on average, sixteen per cent less than their males counterparts.
According to the Gender Income Distribution of Top Earners report, female CEO’s earn two thirds of the median wage of male CEO’s and female Chief Financial Officers and Chief Operating Officers earn just half of their male equivalents. Even in senior human resources positions where women are more common than men, the wage disparity between the sexes is 43%.
The report by EOWA also revealed that women hold just 7% of the Top Earner Positions in Australia. In nine out of ten industry sectors, the female median wage is less than it is for males. Even in support roles where women dominate the labour force, females earn less than males employed in an equivalent role.
The EOWA also pointed to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics that reveal on average, women working full-time earn only eight-four percent of males employed on a full-time basis.
According to the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, “This new research is further evidence that from the moment a woman enters the workforce she is likely to earn less than her male colleagues; regardless of her career, industry or level.”
Ms Plibersek went on to say that the Rudd Government is committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating the gender wage gap in Australia. According to Ms Plibersek, the federal government will deliver a work and family plan to relieve the pressures on mother’s and working families. The government’s work and family plan will include the establishment of an Office for Work and Family.
In a statement released to the media today, Marie Coleman, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Australian Women called on the Rudd Government to take immediate action in regards to the gender pay gap. Ms Coleman said:
“Women are more likely than men to depend on awards for the setting of pay and conditions, and NFAW contends that the determination of minimum wages is critical to women’s substantive pay position. Employers will continue to exploit wage differences until they are prevented by legislation.”
The National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) want a review of pay equity in Australia’s industrial relations legislation. The NFAW are currently working with the National Press Club to promote a debate on the issue of pay equity for Australian Women.
It maybe hard to believe that in 2008 women are still earning less than their male counterparts. But there is extensive evidence to suggest that this is indeed the case. Any woman who has worked in a female dominated industry as I have, will tell you that males are much more likely to be promoted ahead of females with equivalent qualifications and experience. This fact is hard enough to swallow without the added insult that when a male climbs the ladder of his profession, he will be better compensated for his efforts than a woman in the same position.
