In light of International Womens Day on March 8, a survey has revealed more women than men believe there is gender-inequality in the workplace.
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Conducted by Hays Specialist Recruitment agency, the survey took in responses from 603 Australian men and women.
Over 90 percent of men think there is equal pay between genders compared to just 50 percent of women.
Over 80 percent of men thought career opportunities were open to capable colleagues regardless of gender but just under half the female respondents agreed.
Almost 90 percent of respondents said the most senior person in their workplace was male.
Hunter Business Excellence Centre Manager Kerry Hallett said she has seen these statistics exemplified, but believes younger males are becoming more aware.
She said while the gender gap has improved since her younger working years, she still hears of inequality happening.
She believes a contributor to the fact women are paid less on average and don’t reach as many senior positions is the difference between perceptions of men’s and women’s assertion.
“An assertive female is often seen as aggressive and butch, whereas a man is just seen as assertive,” she said.
She believes more people need to realise there is a gender gap for things to change.
“While ever everyone doesn’t recognise that it’s happening it will keep on happening,” she said.
But bucking these trends is Mai-Wel Group CEO Pennie Kearney, who was named Maitland Woman of the Year on Monday night.
A role model for local community service, Ms Kearney has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Mai-Wel.
She received the award from Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison at a Women's Network Hunter NSW gala dinner.
“Pennie is an outstanding and inspirational leader in our community," Ms Aitchison said.
“As I go about my work in Maitland I am always inspired by the women in our community and this year, for me, Pennie was a standout.”
