Marilla Akkermans
When Dolly Parton’s iconic 9 to 5 shuffled onto my playlist recently, I felt an instant jolt of recognition. That upbeat melody, the rallying cry of ambition—it’s a song that makes you want to throw on a power suit and tackle the world. But as the lyrics rolled on, a quiet fury started building.
Written in 1980, 9 to 5 could have been penned yesterday. The world has shifted in many ways, but for women, so much remains heartbreakingly familiar. The unpaid labour. The undervaluation. The constant climb up a ladder that seems stacked against us. And the statistics? They’re damning.
At 20, women in Australia are already on the back foot, earning 2.6% less than their male counterparts, according to recent reports. Fast forward to our mid-50s, and that gap balloons to a staggering 32.6%. Over a lifetime, this isn’t just a disparity—it’s a haemorrhage of opportunity, compounded by the burden of unpaid care work, a force so immense it often goes unmeasured.
Dolly sings about pouring herself a “cup of ambition,” but for most women, ambition is not enough. Before the paid workday begins, we’ve already clocked hours of unpaid labour—an average of over 5 hours daily, according to the UN. That’s three times what men contribute. From folding the laundry to packing school lunches, this invisible work keeps the wheels turning but comes at a cost: our energy, our hobbies, and yes, our earning potential.
It's Enough to Drive You Crazy If You Let It
The gender pay gap in Australia sits at 21.8%. Sure, that’s a slight improvement from last year, but it’s a hollow victory. The gap isn’t just about wages—it’s about representation, respect, and recognition. Women make up 56% of entry-level roles but only 14% of district managers. Even when outperforming their male colleagues, women are less likely to be rated as having “potential,” which stalls promotions and keeps the glass ceiling firmly intact.
And the cycle is self-reinforcing. When we decide to step out and build our own businesses, the hurdles multiply. Despite evidence that female-founded businesses generate better returns, only 2.3% of venture capital funding goes to women. The system doesn’t just fail women—it punishes us for daring to rewrite the rules.
Barely Gettin’ By
It’s not just about wages; it’s about safety. The financial inequity tied to the pay gap traps women in cycles of vulnerability. Family and domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women in Australia. For 25% of women, financial dependence on a partner is why they stay in dangerous relationships. For the growing demographic of homeless women over 55, the issue isn’t just tragic—it’s systemic.
This isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s an economic issue. The gender pay gap costs Australia billions annually in lost productivity and talent. Investing in equality isn’t a moral gesture; it’s a financial imperative.
Waitin’ for the Day Your Ship’ll Come In
Dolly’s optimism is infectious, but I can’t help but feel it’s misplaced when measured against the data. While small gains are being made—pay increases for childcare workers, new mandates for gender-equal pay disclosures—they feel like drops in an ocean of inequality.
But this fight isn’t over. If there’s anything Dolly taught us, it’s that the voices of many can shift even the most immovable forces. Women aren’t asking for handouts; we’re demanding the recognition we’ve earned.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and do the work. Stay informed, challenge the biases, and push for the systemic change we all deserve. Because it’s not enough to dream of a better future—we have to build it. Together.
Marilla Akkermans is the founder of Equality Media + Marketing.