Take the challenge for your future wealth this International Women’s Day
17 February 2021
5
min read
Choose to challenge gender bias and inequality this International Women’s Day.
A challenged world is an alert world, according to the theme for this International Women’s Day (IWD), which falls on 8 March 2021.1
In aiming to help forge gender equality, the day that aims to celebrate women’s achievements and call out inequality notes that we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions, all day, every day.
We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity. We can choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements,” this year’s IWD call to action says.
What is the challenge for gender equality?
IWD says from challenge comes change, so individuals and organisations are being urged to choose to challenge on 8 March.
Challenges may range from gender pay equality, gender balance in the boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender balance of employees and more gender balance in wealth.
Gender bias snapshot
Women continue to be paid less than men, according to a recent Workplace Gender Equality Agency fact sheet. In Australia, women’s full-time base salary across all industries and occupations is on average 14% less than men’s. In 2020, this meant a difference of $1,558.40 a week for women compared to $1,812.00 for men. 2
Women hold just 18.3% of CEO positions in organisations, although women comprise 39.9% of all managers with 44% of manager appointments in 2019-2020 going to women. 3
The percentage of women on ASX 200 boards is 32.4%, while two organisations in the ASX 200 at January 2021 still do not have any women on their board. 4
Women still retire with 40% less super than men. 5
Take the challenge to take control of your super
Challenge yourself to consider taking five simple actions today to help you get the most out of your super and feel more in control of your future.
Keep track of your super
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Simply login to Member Online or download the QSuper app. You can check how much you and your employer have contributed, fees and insurance premiums that have come out of your account, and any money you’ve rolled in from other super funds.
Find any unclaimed super that may be yours
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Lost super belongs to people whose super fund can no longer contact them or they haven't made a contribution in more than five years. Here’s how to find your lost super:
- Log in to your myGov account, click on 'ATO', then ‘Consolidate super'
- Becoming withdrawn
- Consider consolidation of your accounts by choosing which accounts to combine – you'll be able to see details of all your super accounts, including any you've forgotten about.6
- Complete the task online, there are no paper forms to sign or mail in.
Choose the right investment option
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This could make a big difference to your retirement lifestyle. Deciding what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances and you may want to seek personal financial advice to get the most from your superannuation.
Your super can include life insurance, total and permanent disability cover, and income protection cover. Everyone's insurance needs are different, so it's important to understand how much cover you have and whether it is right for your unique circumstances.
Your super doesn't automatically form part of your estate
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Choosing who you'd like your super to go to when you pass away can give you peace of mind that your family will have a financially secure future. Find out more about binding death benefit nominations.
Learn more about making the most of your super with our special FinFit Module on women and super.
Keep your goals on track
Make smart decisions with the help of a professional financial adviser.*
*Deciding what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances and you may want to seek personal financial advice to get the most from your superannuation. You can find out more about financial advice options at qsuper.qld.gov.au/advice
1. International Women’s Day, International Women’s Day 2021 theme, at www.internationalwomensday.com
2. Workplace Gender Equality Agency, 17 August 2020, Fact Sheet: Australia’s Gender Pay Gap Statistics, at wgea.com.au
3. Media Release, 26 November 2020, Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Australia’s gender equality scorecard 2019-2020, at wgea.gov.au
4. Australian Institute of Company Directors, Board Diversity Statistics, 15 January 2021 at aicd.companydirectors.com.au
5. Media Release, 26 August 2020, Women in Super, Third Women’s Super Summit calls for urgent focus on women’s super, at www.womeninsuper.com.au
6. Before you consolidate your super, you should check with your other super funds about any fees or loss of insurance or other benefits.