International Equal Pay Day

Today we stand united in advocating for a fundamental human right: equal pay for equal work, the gender pay gap persists, a stark reminder of the systematic inequalities that women face in the workplace. This disparity is not merely a financial issue; it’s a matter of justice and fairness. In addition, full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men is key to achieving the UN's SDGs, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.?

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, South African women receive between 23% and 35% less than men for the same work, meaning that for every R100 a man earns, R72.44 is earned by women for the same job. Organisations like the National Business Initiative (NBI) have done extensive work in this space, and developed tools to help organisations deal with this issue in South Africa. This is a global issue.

It’s time to shatter the glass ceiling and create a world where women are valued and compensated equitably for their contributions. By demanding equal pay, we’re not just fighting for ourselves, but for generations to come. Let’s work together to build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, race, and disability has the opportunity to thrive.