Imagine a day that begins before dawn and extends well past sunset a day encompassing not only strategic decisions and leadership challenges but also unpaid labour that starts and concludes at home. This reflects the reality for many women across Australia, where their professional and domestic contributions frequently go unrecognised.

Unpaid Labour as a Systemic Challenge

While extensive guidance exists for women on how to “lean in,” negotiate assertively, and seek a better work-life balance, a crucial element frequently overlooked is the disproportionate burden of unpaid work that women bear. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 94% of women engage in unpaid labour, compared to 86% of men. This imbalance not only includes household chores but also extends to caregiving and community support roles that women manage alongside their professional responsibilities.

Income Disparity Between Female and Male Executives

Recent data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency reveals a concerning trend: female CEOs earn, on average, 25% less than their male counterparts, amounting to approximately $170,000 annually. These figures reflect more than just a wage disparity; they highlight a systemic undervaluation of the diverse role’s women fulfil.

The Emotional and Health Impact of Unpaid Work

The ongoing struggle to balance paid employment with unpaid responsibilities significantly impacts women’s mental and physical well-being. The stress inherent in managing these dual obligations frequently leads to burnout, posing risks to long-term career prospects and personal health.

The Need for Policy and Workplace Reform

As the President of Chief Executive Women (CEW), I represent over 800 of Australia’s most accomplished female executives, witnessing daily the barriers these talented leaders overcome. Yet, even at the highest levels of their careers, they navigate an environment that often underappreciates their broader contributions. It is imperative that we no longer regard unpaid care as a private issue; it is a matter of economic importance. Our society heavily relies on this labour; without it, the formal economy would face significant compromise. Recognition through improved parental leave policies, carer payments, and financial acknowledgement of unpaid contributions is long overdue.

The Economic Significance of Unpaid Work: What Needs to Change?

Workplace reforms must prioritise achieving balance and recognising the economic value of unpaid work. Implementing flexible work arrangements, affordable childcare, and equitable parental leave should be considered essential for addressing the gender participation gap. As a nation that prides itself on fairness and economic resilience, permitting this disparity to persist is contradictory.

The unpaid labour of women is not only vital for families, but it also supports the broader economy. We seek validation, support, and equity, particularly in roles that often go unrecognised. It is time to reconsider our approach to leadership and compensation, ensuring that every leader is acknowledged not only for their corporate responsibilities but also for their valuable contributions to society.

Susan Lloyd Hurwitz serves as the President of Chief Executive Women, an organisation representing more than 800 of Australia’s most distinguished female leaders. As a former CEO, she is a steadfast advocate for gender equity in leadership positions and a vocal proponent of addressing pay disparities.