This year marks 50 years since the landmark 1969 equal pay decision that first saw Australian women win the right to be paid the same as men for doing the same work, or work of equal or comparable value.  WGEA has released a useful graphic of their gender equality scorecard.

In the 5 decades since this momentous decision, Australia's female workforce participation rate has reached record levels. Yet the gender pay gap remains a stubborn feature of our economy.

However, when employers take action, it makes a difference. More women are being promoted to managerial roles; more employers are offering paid parental leave to their staff; and more organisations are implementing policies or strategies to support gender equality or promote flexible working, with a rise of 13.3% in employers with a policy or strategy on family and domestic violence.

Unfortunately, the gender pay gap in the heavily female-dominated Health Care and Social Assistance industry has barely shifted, reflecting the historic and ongoing undervaluation of care work. Our CEO roles and boardroom tables still remain dominated by men.