Fairness and equality among the sexes has been deliberated time and again. Feminist groups have made an impact but women continue to earn less than men. I always thought Australia was a fair country and in many respects it is. It’s possible to have a decent standard of living on an average income when you don’t have debt, subject to your postcode. Unfortunately, women continue to get paid less than men. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, ‘average weekly total cash earnings were $1,010.30 for all employees, $1192.10 for male employees and $827.70 for female employees.’ That’s a whopping difference of $364.40 per week or $18,948.80 per year between the
sexes. [Low end of the scale is $475.60pw and high end $2,206.90pw].
Are men harder workers than females? Are they more valuable?
I don’t like labels but I may sometimes come across as a feminist and have an anti men attitude. I don’t mean any offense. There are equally as many nasty and lazy men as there are women. The same goes for all the hard workers; there are women who can multitask and complete jobs as efficiently as men, if not more so, and vice versa. Which is why the difference in income is so frustrating. Earning less because you don’t have a dick in your pants is simply unfair, especially if your qualifications and experience are up to par.
We are getting closer to bridging the gap but it’s taking longer than it ought to. In 2011, incomes should be equal. Managerial positions should be equal. Governments should be equal. On a global scale Australia is doing pretty well, we have a female Prime Minister, Ms Julia Gillard, Governor- General, Ms Quentin Bryce, and in Queensland we have female Premier, Ms Anna Bligh. That’s awesome however females still have a long way to go. According to an article in The Sydney Morning Herald last year, women were still having a tough time breaking the glass ceiling and being promoted to senior executive roles. Yes, there are women who choose to have children and put their careers on hold, but there are equally as many who want the opportunity to have a successful career. Why can’t they have both without missing out on a portion of the pay cheque?
Wealth Savvy 