First Nations women are falling far behind men, and other women, new research on the gender pay gap reveals.
A study led by Jobs and Skills Australia and UTS has found that First Nations women earn about 35 per cent less than the average Australian man.
The research reveals that First Nations Women are also behind other women on pay.
Professor Nareen Young, director of UTS’ Centre for Indigenous People and Work, says that for every dollar earned by an Australian man, First Nations women make about 65 cents.
“We will not close the gap until we have overcome the gendered pay gap for First Nations women,” Professor Young said.
“The pay gap is a productivity issue for all women and families, but for First Nations women it’s a ‘closing the gap’ issue as well.”
The impact of this is multilayered when other societal and economic realities are factored in.
“The forced labour, stolen wages and indentured work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia’s recent history is linked to their culturally specific skills in Aboriginal communities being undervalued when it comes to wages,” she said.
The disparity in pay is worsened by access to jobs – with the research showing that jobs available to Indigenous women are further perpetuating the problem.
More than half of Indigenous workers (53 per cent) were found to be in occupations dominated by women.
“We know that female dominated occupations often pay less than male dominated occupations,” said Professor Young.
“It impacts on the ability of First Nations women to access decent housing, provide for their children’s education and give their families the best start in life.
“More broadly, the gender pay gap is a major barrier to economic independence and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
To address these disparities and elevate women in Australia, the research highlights the need for Indigenous women to be a key priority.
What has been promising to see, however, is the impact Indigenous women are making to close the gender pay gap.
“Our women are breaking through the glass ceilings into commercial leadership, working in non-traditional roles or starting their own businesses,” said Professor Young.
“But unless there is continued momentum from governments and employers, these women will remain exceptions rather than the rule.
“These results show exactly why JSA’s research is so vital. We have long called for intersectional pay gap data like this to be collected and monitored because metrics matter as what gets measured gets done.”
Become a Women’s Agenda Foundation member and support our work! We are 100% independent and women-owned. Every day, we cover the news from a women’s perspective, advocating for women’s safety, economic security, health and opportunities. Foundation memberships are currently just $5 a month.
Bonus: you’ll receive our weekly editor’s wrap of the key stories to know every Saturday.