As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, demanding equal pay for equal work is essential. According to the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median weekly wage for a man working full time was $1390 in May 2021 and just $1042 for women.

If you’re experiencing pay inequity, Kris, CEO of ASPL, shares her top tips for demanding pay parity:

Speak up

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. So, if you believe you’re being paid less than a male colleague doing the same work, bring it to the attention of your employer.

Know your worth

It is essential to familiarise yourself with industry pay standards and to research salaries for similar positions to know your worth. You also need to understand your own qualifications and experience and how they are usually remunerated in the job market.

Join a union or get a coach

If you work in the professional services and joining a union is not an option or not something you’d want to do, then getting a coach or mentor who can help guide you through the process of asking for equal pay might also be worthwhile.

Demand pay transparency

Pay transparency is gaining momentum in countries as a way to overcome the gender wage gap as it reveals what everyone earns for the job they do.

Keep on demanding

If you don’t get equal pay this time, ask again in six months. It is only by asserting your rights for equal work and equal pay that the gender wages gap will close.