Why women need to take control of their finances (and why now is the time)
We hear the statistics. We nod. We share the posts.
We shrink a little inside because we know we want better, deserve more.
In case you missed the facts:
📊 The Facts (aka the wake-up call):
● Gender Pay Gap: Women still earn 19% less than men on average in Australia (and often this gap is much bigger)
📎 WGEA 2023–24 Data
● Superannuation Gap: Women retire with around 25% less super than men (again, for many women the gap here is often much wider).
📎 ASFA 2024 Report
● Investment Gap: 16% fewer women invest in shares compared to men (this has a bigger impact on our long-term wealth creation and financial security).
📎 InvestSmart x ABS
● Savings Gap: Women have 27% less in savings accounts.
📎 Money.com.au Stats
And if you’re wondering what the long-term result of all that looks like?
Women aged 45–55 are now the fastest-growing demographic facing homelessness in Australia.
These are women who have very often been employed in well paid jobs, but had to take time out to care for children or ageing parents, or perhaps been unable to return to the workforce full time for a variety of reasons. Add in separation, divorce, job loss, or illness and financial security for many women can change rapidly.
This isn’t about fear – it’s about fuel.
Because while these numbers are confronting, they are not your destiny. They are a signal. A turning point. An invitation to act.
This is where we get to shift the narrative around women and finances.
Yes, we need policy reform and structural change. There’s no doubt about it. Women’s Network Australia and many other organisations continue to advocate for a better deal for Australian women.
But we also need something far more immediate and in our control:
Confidence. Capability. Security.
These form the cornerstone of WNA’s Financial Capability & Security pillar—one of our three strategic commitments in 2025, alongside Lifelong Learning and Health & Wellbeing.
We want to equip every woman with the tools to thrive, not just survive.
We start by naming the gaps holding women back:
1. The Confidence Gap: That inner voice saying “I’m just not good with money.”
2. The Capability Gap: Not knowing how to budget, automate, invest or plan.
3. The Security Gap: No safety net. No buffer. No long-term plan in place.
While these gaps are personal to you, and different for us all, the good news is that they are able to be bridged. Once you’ve identified and acknowledged your gap (or gaps).
And that’s exactly what WNA is helping our members do.
Next week – on we roll out the first step in our new Bridge Your Money Gap program.
A no-fluff, action-based financial transformation program for WNA members.
This isn’t a typical course. This isn’t repurposed content you’ve probably all heard before about positive vibes, or budgeting spreadsheets.
There’s no jargon, judgement or overwhelm.
Just tangible outcomes that will set you on the right path, based on your specific financial situation and goals.
As we said earlier, the only way to start bridging your financial gap (in either confidence capability or security), is to first identify what and where your gaps are.
Start with the money strong Financial Gap scorecard – a 3-minute diagnostic that gives you a score across your financial confidence, capability and security.
The Financial Gap scorecard and the entire Bridge Your Money Gap program has been created by money strong’s Founder and WNA’s Finance Ambassador Marion Mays – a Certified Money Coach with 30+ years experience in the finance world (so you’re in good hands!)
Once you have your results, and you know where your gaps are, you’ll gain access to self-paced, easy-to-follow modules that walk you through:
1. Understanding your money story and beliefs (and why this is important for your financial future)
2. Building a values-aligned money plan (and why this works better than any budget!)
3. Learning how to grow and protect your wealth (in line with your personal life goals).
But the real difference we are creating for members is the mentorship included when you join the program – because we know that learning something is only half the story – you need friendly (but consistent) support to help you actually make the change you need.
Group mentoring and resources for real-world application will accompany each part of the course.
And the best part? Module One (of three) is fully included in all WNA memberships, with the second and third modules also available and included as part of our Silver and Platinum level memberships respectively.
Why now?
Because waiting another year for the data to change isn’t a strategy.
Because being financially capable is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Because the future you want starts with the steps you take today.
Ready to take the first step?
Start with the money strong Financial Gap Scorecard and get your personalised score and assessment report.
From there, the journey to clarity, control, and confidence begins.
On 20 May, WNA Members will have access to the new Bridge Your Money Gap – designed by women, for women. (If you don’t already have your Membership log-in details, contact admin@womensnetwork.com.au).
You’ll be able to sign in via the WNA website and access the program for no cost – we’ve made the investment for you because it’s WNA’s strategic vision to see Australian women flourish financially, intellectually and personally.
Not yet a Women’s Network member?
We welcome new members who want to take advantage of the Bridge Your Money Gap program, AND gain all the incredible benefits of being a Women’s Network Australia member. Learn more and sign up here.
This is your chance to go from being aware to taking ownership.
Let’s change the stats – starting with your story.
