Did you know that women in Australia get to the retirement age with, on average, 25% less superannuation than men?
This gap isn’t just a statistic—it’s a challenge that affects real lives, limiting financial freedom and independence in retirement. The superannuation gender gap is a reflection of systemic inequalities, from career breaks for caregiving to lower average earnings.
At eairwoman, we believe it’s time to change the narrative.
With our free, private, and easy-to-use platform, we empower Australian women take control of their retirement savings.
Let’s work together to close the gender super gap and create a brighter, more secure financial future.
The Scale of the Superannuation Gender Gap
Why is There a Gender Gap in Super Between Women and Men?
Most Women Work in Casual or Part-Time Work Structures
According to NSW Government, 39% of female employees in NSW are part-time workers compared to the 18% of men in 2021.
Women are given a super contribution that is often lower due to part-time or casual work arrangements. These employment types often result in reduced earnings and fewer superannuation benefits compared to full-time roles.
Having Time Off Due to Caring for Family or Maternity Leave
Taking time off work to care for your children and family can create gender pay gaps in your retirement savings. This unpaid or low-paid caregiving time also limits opportunities for women to make voluntary personal contributions to offset the shortfall.
Shortfall of Flexible Work Arrangements
Because there is an issue of flexible work arrangements, this can heighten the gender pay gap and reduce career progression opportunities for women. Limited flexibility forces many women to opt for lower-paying roles or reduce their working hours, further affecting their ability to grow their super.
Despite this, a recent report from Workplace Gender Equality Agency concluded that the workplace is changing – opening the door to flexible work opportunities.
Women Typically Are Earning Less Than Men
The national gender pay gap according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics is 11.5%.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, the national average for the gender pay gap is at 11.5%.
Due to a gender pay gap, women, even today, are earning less than men for similar roles, and this disparity compounds over time. Lower wages mean smaller superannuation contributions, leaving women at a disadvantage when they retire.
To learn more about the gender pay gap and retirement, read our article ‘Women and Retirement – Part 2: The Gender Pay Gap’.
Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave Scheme – 1 July 2025
The Australian Government has taken a significant step toward addressing the superannuation gender gap with proposed changes to the Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme, set to take effect from 1 July 2025, subject to legislative approval.
These changes include:
- Extended Leave Duration – Starting from 1 July 2024, an additional 2 weeks of payments will be added to the scheme annually, increasing the total duration by 6 weeks by July 2026.
- Encouraging Shared Care – From July 2026, 4 weeks of leave will be reserved for each parent in a couple on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis, promoting greater sharing of caregiving responsibilities.
- Increased Flexibility – Families will be able to take up to 4 weeks of Parental Leave Pay concurrently, supporting parents to spend quality time together during this life-changing period.
Career breaks for caregiving often result in significant gaps in superannuation savings, disproportionately impacting women. These changes will empower parents to build a more secure retirement.
How Can You Maximise Your Super?
Staying ahead with the current superannuation system in Australia is essential for maximising your super funds.
Below, are a few tips on how you can make the most out of it:
1. Ensure Your Employer is Paying Your Super
Your employer is required to pay the minimum Super Guarantee (SG), currently set at 11% of your wages. Regularly check your superannuation statements to confirm payments are being made on time and in full.
2. Boost Your Super with Extra Contributions
Consider making voluntary contributions to your superannuation funds. Even small, consistent amounts can grow significantly over time due to compound interest. Explore options like salary sacrificing or making after-tax contributions to enhance your super balance.
3. Consolidate Your Super Accounts
If you have multiple super accounts, consolidating them into one super account can save on fees and make managing your super simpler. Before you combine accounts, check for insurance coverage or other tax benefits you might lose.
4. Track Down Lost Super
There’s an estimated $16 billion in lost and unclaimed super across Australia. To see if you have any, log into MyGov, link your account to the ATO online services, and search for your lost super.
5. Educate Yourself and Seek Advice
Knowledge is power when it comes to superannuation. Attend free webinars or seek personalised assistance from financial experts. The right advice can help you make informed decisions tailored to your superannuation.
Please refer to Money Smart for any advice regarding your finances.
Try The eairwoman App and Start Saving Today
Planning your retirement doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The eairwoman app is designed to empower you with practical tools and insights. Use the app to:
- Track your super contributions in real-time.
- Access the “What-If” calculator to explore the long-term effects of salary sacrifices, career breaks, or additional contributions.
- Visualise your financial trajectory and make informed decisions to optimise your retirement savings.
Start today—download the eairwoman app and take control of your superannuation with confidence
Take Charge of Your Super Today
Your superannuation is one of the most important tools for securing a comfortable retirement.
By staying informed, making strategic contributions, and leveraging tools like the eairwoman app, you can build the financial future you deserve.
Get started now by downloading the app and empowering yourself with the tools to take charge of your super!
Contact us for any questions regarding the app.