Wire- Women's Information, Melbourne, VIC

WIRE stands for Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Inc. We are the only Victoria-wide free generalist information, support and referral service run by women for women. We have been listening and giving voice to women’s experiences since 1984. Every year we answer over 12, 000 requests for information and assistance through our phone support service, drop-in Women’s Information Centre and via email. We offer a range of gender-specific training programs, and also research and advocate for women’s issues such as financial literacy and economic security, out-of-school-hours childcare, work-life balance and violence against women. Why a separate service for women? Gender pay gap—women still on average earn 18% less than men in a financial year A structural analysis of women’s issues can be marginalised by mainstream services Women more commonly change their work patterns to care for children and other family members which can affect their career progression Women have significantly lower superannuation savings than men and are more likely to be disadvantaged in retirement.