Super Woman

Fair is the future

On average, Australian woman will retire with 25% less superannuation than men.

The gender superannuation gap is the difference between the average superannuation balance for men and women at the age of retirement – and we’re working to close it. Retired women with lower balances are more likely to experience significant economic insecurity, poverty and financial reliance on others. The impact of financial hardship in retirement is devastating, with older women becoming the fastest growing demographic of people experiencing homelessness.

The gender superannuation gap is complex.

It’s driven by several complex and intersecting factors, such as:

the cumulative impact of the gender pay gap over a lifetime
superannuation theft (or unpaid super)
unpaid caring responsibilities and time out of the workforce
financial abuse, and other forms of domestic and family violence
early withdrawal of superannuation.

Our Solutions

Improving gender equity in the superannuation system

By introducing solutions like caring credits, where the government provides super contributions for people during periods of unpaid care, we can ensure women aren’t financially disadvantaged for taking time out of the workforce to support their families.

Improving regulation, recovery and enforcement of unpaid super

We’re calling for more proactive ATO investigations in feminised industries and meaningful penalties for employers who don’t pay superannuation contributions.

Improving the death benefits scheme

We’re advocating for changes that make sure perpetrators of domestic violence can’t access the superannuation death benefit of their victim after they pass away.

Making super more accessible for First Nations people

We’re calling for superannuation funds to have an enforceable legal obligation to provide culturally safe support for First Nations consumers.