NEWS

ANROWS Statement on the release of the WGEA Gender Pay Gap Data

MEDIA STATEMENT | 4 MARCH 2025

 

As the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) releases the latest gender pay gap data, ANROWS is calling for urgent action to address the far-reaching consequences of women’s economic insecurity—particularly its role in gender-based violence.

ANROWS CEO, Dr. Tessa Boyd-Caine, emphasised that while discussions around pay equity often focus on workplace fairness, the financial disadvantage women face over a lifetime significantly intersects with their experiences of domestic and family violence.

“When women are paid less than men for the same work, the impact extends far beyond immediate income. The gender pay gap perpetuates cycles of control. When women are paid less than their male counterparts, they have fewer financial resources to escape abuse. If women take time out of the workforce for caregiving, their economic disadvantage deepens. And when their superannuation falls short, they face financial insecurity well into their later years.”

“The gender pay gap isn’t just an economic issue; it is a barrier to women’s safety.”

“The release of WGEA’s pay gap data today marks a critical step in advancing workplace equality across Australia. ANROWS strongly supports WGEA’s continued efforts to raise awareness around the gender pay gap, and we applaud their commitment to providing valuable insights that drive transparency and progress.”

“Closing the gender pay gap is a critical step in addressing gender-based violence.”

ANROWS calls on all sectors to work together to close the gender pay gap and ensure that women’s financial independence is no longer a barrier to their safety.

 

For further information please contact: 

Elliott Holohan
ANROWS Media & Strategic Communications Specialist
M: 0411 507 542| E: [email protected]

 

 

About ANROWS

Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety Limited (ANROWS) is a not-for-profit independent national research organisation.

ANROWS is an initiative of Australia’s National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022. ANROWS was established by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments of Australia to produce, disseminate and assist in applying evidence for policy and practice addressing violence against women and their children. ANROWS is the only such research organisation in Australia.