Women are increasingly working in positions of high power; we are leaders of many organisations and in some instances are leaders of countries. Even with this seemingly equal standing, women are continually being paid substantially less than their male counterparts. The issue of gender equality has been prevalent for many years and will continue to exist until stereotypical and traditional views are abolished. I don’t claim, or profess to be a ‘feminist’ but I am certainly an advocate for equality within the workplace!

According to recent studies (Australia Bureau of Statistics, May 2013), women in the Australian workplace are still paid on average 17.6% less than their male counterparts. The largest disparity occurs within the finance industry, with an average pay gap of 32.2%.In 2013, women made up 45.7% of the Australian workforce, with 87.8% of women (aged 20-24) having a year 12 qualification or higher, compared to 84.1% of males.

These figures are alarming but not overly surprising to me! Having worked within the recruitment industry for over 12 years, I have recruited all types of professional positions across industry sectors. Although gender inequality is still existent, it is gradually decreasing and recognition of work and effort is taking its place. Although this is a struggle that we still face, and something that absolutely needs to be addressed, the disparities faced between men and women within other countries are often a lot more prevalent.

We as Australians’ live in a modern, multicultural, western nation, which I am proud to call home. We have so much to be proud of, yet for powerful women in business today, there is still a huge bias that is faced. We should be recognising skills and experience not gender! A killer work ethic and unflagging drive should be the factors to rear one to success, not the person’s gender.

Written by Linda Lewin