A commitment to gender equity by Water Corporation has seen the State-owned utility company reduce its gender pay gap to a record low of 4.7 per cent in 2022, and further enhance career and professional development opportunities for women. By comparison, the national average gender pay gap is 14.1 per cent.
Water Corporation is also focused on better retention and progression opportunities for women into leadership positions, helping raise average earnings of female employees. This week Water Corporation has also announced two new female senior executive appointments, which will increase its executive and board female representation to 50 per cent next year.
More than a third (36 per cent) of Water Corporation's 3,800 employees identify as female, and over the past seven years a range of proactive initiatives and external partnerships has seen the pay gap reduced from 11.2 per cent in 2015 and driven increased opportunities for women, including:
- establishing a 'Gender Balance for Better' employee network to advocate for gender equity, raise awareness, and facilitate educational workshops;
- maintaining endorsement as a WORK180 and FlexReady employer, and membership of CEOs for Gender Equity;
- trialling a return-to-work program with FlexCareers to better support those re-entering the workforce after an extended break;
- reviewing employment policies to further embed inclusion, belonging, and flexibility within the workplace;
- partnering with the Waalitj Foundation to support the Deadly Sista Girlz program, which provides paid work experience, entry level employment, and traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school girls; and
- a suite of targeted initiatives to support women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women with disability, Aboriginal women, young women, and LGBTQIA+ people.
State-wide, the McGowan Government is in the third year of its 10-year plan - Stronger Together: WA's Plan for Gender Equality - to tackle gender inequality in Western Australia. This whole-of-government approach provides a roadmap for industries, communities, and individuals to drive change that enables lasting solutions, and ensures women and girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
For information on career opportunities with Water Corporation, visit: https://www.watercorporation.com.au/About-us/Careers
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"Gender equity matters in society and the workplace. It is crucial that women are empowered and given the same opportunity to progress up the career ladder and live independent lives.
"However, the gender pay gap - particularly in WA - highlights the imbalance in society and the challenges faced by women, often exacerbated by time spent out of the workforce.
"Closing the gender pay gap from 11.2 per cent in 2015 to 4.7 per cent in 2022 is a fabulous result for Water Corporation.
"Although Water Corporation's base gender pay gap of 4.7 per cent sits considerably below the State and national average, there is still a strong commitment to close the gap even further - helped with the upcoming appointment of two new female senior executives.
"I commend Water Corporation for its proactive approach to enhancing gender equity, reinforcing itself as an employer of choice for women in WA."
As stated by Women's Interests Minister Simone McGurk:
"Gender equality is important for all Western Australians - there is clear evidence it brings economic and social benefits to everyone.
"In Western Australia our gender pay gap is the highest in the country, with women bringing home on average $471.70 less than men per week.
"It's vital we attract more women to the workforce and the best way to do that is to close the gender pay gap.
"I commend Water Corporation for providing opportunities for women at all levels, which is leading to better pay for women throughout the organisation."
