The WGEA 2021-22 Employer Census revealed the gender pay gap remained at 22.8 per cent in 2022, meaning women earned an average $26,596 less than men in 2021-22.

While the number of female CEOs has risen slightly from last year, only 22 per cent of CEOs are women, and men are more likely to hold managerial positions even in female-dominated industries such as healthcare and education.

Other key figures included:

• 7/10 employers have a pay gap that favours men
• Men are twice as likely to be in the top income bracket as women
• Every industry has a pay gap that favours men
• 42 per cent of women work full time, compared to 67 per cent of men
• Women comprise 41 per cent of managers and 46 per cent of managerial appointments
• Only one in five boards have gender balance.

Despite research showing that profitability and productivity increase under women’s leadership, more than one in five boards have no women at all. Since 2014, the number of boards without women has dropped from 37 per cent to 22 per cent, but 72 per cent of boards are still comprised of a significant majority (more than 60 per cent) of men. Less than one per cent of boards comprise only women.

New voluntary reporting shows 53 per cent of employers have set some form of target for gender equality in the workplace.

Flexibility is also on the uptake, with 38 per cent who responded to the new question moving to an ‘all roles flex’ model.

More employers are also offering paid primary carers leave than last year (62 per cent, compared to 60 per cent in 2021), with 92 per cent of those offering it equally to women and men.

Agency Director Mary Wooldridge said: “At a time when Australia is experiencing a critical skills and labour shortage, WGEA’s annual Employer Census shows that too many employers have failed to step up on gender equality leaving many women no better off than they were 12 months ago.

“Lasting change requires employers to make bold, creative choices that send a signal to all employees that gender equality is a core part of their business strategy and a priority for those in leadership and managerial roles.”

Chamber leadership

The Victorian Chamber is a strident advocate of gender equity, promoting initiatives to improve outcomes for women in business.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “It is important for us at the Chamber to lead by example and help create opportunities for women across all areas of business. I’m proud to be at the helm of a business whose executive team is 66 per cent female and overseen by a Board that is 55 per cent female.”

This year, Chamber Change was the Victorian Chamber’s first dedicated women in business program, featuring senior female leaders in business empowering and mentoring participant groups.

The Chamber provided intimate learning and networking opportunities and watched both the program and the women involved grow and evolve through its progression.

“We are proud of this program and believe it is making a real difference in empowering, celebrating and elevating women in business, helping develop a culture where women feel supported and encouraged to join and remain in the business community,” Mr Guerra said.