The Parenthood Newsletter March 2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Last week you might have read about the pay gap between men and women at 5000 of Australia’s largest employers. In 62 per cent of those organisations the pay gap is real and favours men. Given it’s International Women’s Day this week, it’s a great time to have this information to hand.  

It is the first time Australians have had access to this data - by employer - and while it’s shocking, it’s actually good news. Publicity around the pay gap has - inevitably - prompted a stack of conversations about the “choices” men and women make when it comes to combining work and care.  

But the thing is, no "choice" is made in a vacuum. The context in which women in Australia "choose" how to combine work and care is still dictated by policies and practices that entrench 'mum as caregiver' and 'dad as breadwinner'. That informs our culture which remains firmly wedded to stereotypical roles for men and women - in ways other countries have shifted.

Changing the context and creating an ecosystem where parents can truly "choose" what works for their families is on government and employers. 

Ensuring that ecosystem becomes reality is why The Parenthood exists. It’s probably - in one way or another - the reason you’re here. You know the status quo isn’t working well enough for families, parents or children and you’re not ok with that! 

We’re always on the hunt for ways we can work together to keep the pressure up for change. Right now something we can all do to that end is take the National Working Families Survey 2024.

Every voice counts and every story matters. Tell yours and help us advocate for improved family policies that will not only benefit parents and children but will shrink the gender pay gap. Promise! 

Other updates in this newsletter include our Media Training workshop and Rural Campaign, and the fifth consecutive fee increase of Australia’s largest for-profit childcare provider.

Thanks for being here! 

Onwards,
Georgie Dent

GENDER PAY GAP
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has disclosed gender pay gaps for nearly 5,000 Australian employers, spotlighting the persistent gender pay disparity. Despite some progress, with a gender pay gap favouring men in 62% of surveyed employers, there's a clear call for action to address these disparities and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Key areas for improvement include affordable early childhood education, equitable employment policies, and enhanced parental leave to promote shared caregiving.

MEDIA TRAINING
Join The Parenthood for a vital Media Training session on March 27 at 12pm AEST, led by CEO Georgie Dent. This opportunity is perfect for anyone keen to advocate for Paid Parental Leave, Early Childhood Education and Care, or Family-Friendly Workplaces in the media. You'll learn how to effectively communicate with print, TV, and radio, share your story, and use The Parenthood's key messages. The session is online and family-friendly, so your kids are welcome to attend. Let's unite our voices for the future of Australian families!

OUR SUBMISSION TO THE PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION
We handed in our submission to the Productivity Commission. Our key recommendations include universal access to Early Childhood Education and Care, a more flexible and generous parental leave scheme, improved health and wellbeing support, and greater workplace flexibility.