8 March 2002

International Women's Day is being celebrated today by educators across Australia.

"Across Australia school communities will take the time to reflect upon the achievements gained for women and girls and the challenges which still exist." Fiona McNamara, Federal Women's Officer said.

"In this centenary year for women achieving the vote and the fortieth anniversary of Indigenous women and men getting the vote, it is timely to reflect on what has been achieved and to consider where to from here."

"The Australian Education Union has a proud history of promoting women and the issues of concern to women and today is a day to celebrate these achievements".

"Women make up 70 percent of our union's membership and we are committed to the representation and advocacy of our women members, " Ms. McNamara said.

"Significant improvements have been made in the areas of parental leave with all States and Territories now having some access to paid maternity leave but there is still some way to go. In some states the paid maternity leave is as little as two weeks."

"The achievement of the ILO Convention of 14 weeks paid maternity leave is still the AEU's goal. Australia lags behind many countries around the world in its provision of paid maternity leave. Given the teacher shortage, world wide paid maternity leave should be a priority for governments trying to retain teachers."

"Equal pay for equal work for women teachers in Australia was only achieved in the 1970s. However, this is still not the case for many women and world wide women still earn 30% less than men do."

"In the area of superannuation women are still significantly disadvantaged because of past policies."

Contact:
AEU Federal Women's Officer, Fiona McNamara on mobile 0409 166 046