International Women's Day: Count her in. Invest in women. Accelerate progress.
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 2, 28 March 2024, page 21.
At the recent QTU Union Reps Conference, I looked back on the Union’s 135 years of achievements and highlights. One which stood out for many of us in the room was the Union’s adoption of equal pay for male and female teachers as QTU policy in 1947.
The following year, the Union’s application for equal pay was rejected by the Industrial Court. It wasn’t until 25 years later, in 1972, that equal pay for male and female teachers finally became a reality.
However, while the QTU secured equal pay in the early 70s and our salary structure does not include a “woman’s” wage or a “man’s” wage, discrepancies still exist to this day.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress” emphasised the importance of investing in women’s advancement as a catalyst for societal progress and the need for deliberate efforts to support and empower women across various domains.
It also serves as a time for reflection, encouraging individuals and communities to assess the progress made in achieving gender equality and to identify areas where further action is needed.
Women represent 76 per cent of the QTU’s membership, so it’s important to celebrate the achievements of trailblazing women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations, while also acknowledging the systemic barriers that still exist.
For me, ultimately, International Women’s Day is a call to action, inspiring individuals and workplaces to redouble their efforts in the fight for gender equality and work towards a future where every woman and girl can live up to her full potential, free from discrimination and oppression.
As chair of the Women Teachers and Girls Education Committee, I asked some members to reflect on what IWD means to them.
“Back in the 60s, I wanted to do things but was told that’s not a girl’s job and I was not allowed to do it. Things have changed for the better. Women can do anything!” Penny Taylor, Jimboomba SS
“In Australia between 2011 and 2016, homelessness for women aged over 55 grew by 31 per cent to nearly 7,000. One can’t help but recognise the role that financial instability and low superannuation played in these women’s lives. After taking paid parental leave, I too noticed the significant impact this had on my superannuation, when compared to my partner’s. As a nation, we must do better to ensure women are financially set for their futures.” Lisa Broadhurst, Sandgate SS
“I can work in a profession where I am paid equal to my male counterparts, but also can achieve things as a woman as I have just as much knowledge as my male counterparts.” Paige Pope, Morayfield SHS
“’Count Her In’ is an opportunity for us to do exactly that – 'count in' our women so that we can ensure they have equal access to education, employment pathways, financial services, and literacy. Only then will women have the equality and recognition they deserve in all aspects of life. This is my hope, my dream, and my aspiration for the future for our students and women educators all over the world.” Lauren Quinn, Park Ridge SHS
“What can each of us do in our own spheres to accelerate the progress and economic inclusion of women? Take every opportunity to lift another woman – talk to her about her super, help her draft talking points for addressing an inequality at work, encourage her to go for the promotional position, organise baby-sitting trades so she can study, be the voice in her ear that says she can do it.” Keri Pollock, Riverview SS
“I recognise we have come so far, but we still have so far to go. That women are still expected to make most of the sacrifices in and out of the home is grossly unfair. We as women need to make clear that it is our right to have access to the learning and opportunities. We need to achieve without constantly having to fight the barriers we have had thrown in front of us.’’ Emily Murphy, Cooktown SS