Putting women on a sounder financial footing is the focus of this year's Queensland Women's Week which kicks off today (2 March).
The annual week-long celebration, from 2 to 10 March 2019 has the theme of Invest in women. Invest in the future.
Minister for Women Di Farmer said the week was focused on helping more women and girls to learn about financial literacy.
"We have so much to celebrate as women in Queensland, and there will be events across the state this week that will do exactly that," she said.
"Even so, there are still many forms of gender inequality we are working to address, and financial inequality is one of them.
"The gender pay gap persists, and women tend to retire with less superannuation.
"There are many systemic issues behind this, but improved financial literacy can help women get on top of their money and set themselves up for a bright future."
The Queensland Government invested $150,000 in grants to community groups right across the state to host events aimed at supporting women and girls to improve their financial literacy and capability.
Funded initiatives use a variety of mediums to address financial literacy, ranging from workshops, finance health checks, art installations, campaigns, and world cafés.
"Events are being held the length and breadth of Queensland," Ms Farmer said.
"In Gladstone there is a hands-on financial planning workshop and advice from a financial planner and an accountant," Ms Farmer said.
"Up in the far north, in Bamaga, the focus is on developing financial literacy and art expertise and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
"Back on the Gold Coast, Norfolk Village State School P & C Association is hosting a High Tea for female Year 6 students, with guest speakers and interactive activities to boost their financial literacy and capability.
"I encourage everyone to jump online to see what events are on in their area."
Ms Farmer said there were many factors that influenced women's ability to achieve economic security including inflexible workplaces, family dynamics, cultural pressures and gendered stereotypes.
"Then there is women's and girls' lower participation in traditionally male-dominated fields of study which generally yield higher pay," she said.
The undervaluing of traditionally female roles in industries such as teaching, early childhood education and care, nursing and community services also contributes to the gender pay gap."
Ms Farmer said time and again research had shown financial security for women had a broader impact on the community.
"When women do well financially, so do families, communities and business," she said.
"We all want Queensland to be a place where women are respected, we are equal and our rights, interests and wellbeing are promoted and protected.
"Importantly, we want Queensland to be a place where women can have financial security."
Queensland Women's Week is an extension of International Women's Day held annually on 8 March.
