The positive impact of addressing Gender Pay Equality on broader discrimination issues

Welcome to this edition of our HR newsletter about empowering diversity. In it, we will discuss the importance of addressing gender pay equality.

As HR and DEI leaders, we constantly seek ways to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces. Tackling gender pay inequality is one of the most effective starting points for making a meaningful change, and it can have a ripple effect on addressing a wide range of other discriminations.

The gender pay gap is a persistent issue across Europe. In France, for example, according to recent statistics from Eurostat, it stands at 13.9%. This gap not only reflects wage discrepancies but is also indicative of broader systemic inequalities, including access to leadership roles, career advancement, and opportunities for professional development. We can create a more level playing field by addressing pay inequality and improving workplace equity.

Why is this important? Because pay equality is not an isolated issue. It is closely linked to many other aspects of discrimination, from gender biases in hiring practices to the challenges women face in balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. When we take concrete steps to close the gender pay gap—such as conducting pay audits, implementing transparent salary policies, and promoting fair compensation—we also address unconscious biases and reduce barriers to career advancement for women and other underrepresented groups.

One key benefit of addressing gender pay equality is that it sets a clear standard for fairness and inclusion within an organization. When employees see that their employer values equal pay for equal work, they are more likely to trust that the organization is committed to broader DEI goals, including racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ equity. This trust helps foster a culture of inclusivity where all employees feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

Moreover, pay equity initiatives promote a more positive organizational reputation. Companies that prioritize equality are increasingly being recognized for their progressive values. A recent McKinsey report found that organizations with greater gender diversity are 21% likelier to experience above-average profitability. This benefits employees and enhances the company’s bottom line, showing that equality and business success are intertwined.

In conclusion, tackling gender pay inequality is more than just a moral imperative—it is a strategic business decision. Addressing the pay gap creates a foundation for a more inclusive culture, reduces discrimination across the board, and improves the overall employee experience. For HR and DEI leaders, this is a critical step in building a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Taking action on pay equality today is an investment in a fairer, more equitable future for all employees.

If you want to explore the impact of workplace gender equality, here are some inspiring articles.

?? Taking action: concrete strategies to close the Gender Pay Gap .

???? Can pay equity become a standard? In Iceland, it already has!

?? 20 powerful advantages of workplace gender equality.

?? 7 effective measures to reduce the gender pay gap.

? What is "?????????????????????????????????? "?

?? Reading advice of the week, the book Why Women Are Poorer Than Men and What We Can Do About It by Annabelle Williams.

As HR professionals committed to creating inclusive workplaces, Why Women Are Poorer Than Men and What We Can Do About It by Annabelle Williams is an essential read. This book goes beyond the surface to explore the root causes of financial inequality between men and women, from workplace discrimination to the undervaluation of female-dominated sectors. Williams provides a compelling argument that pay inequality is not just a personal issue but a systemic one that companies have the power to change.

HR professionals will find practical insights on how to close the gender pay gap, foster financial equality, and create an environment where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive. The book is packed with case studies and actionable recommendations that show how organizations can take meaningful steps to address this pressing issue.

If you want to drive real change in your company’s DEI efforts, Why Women Are Poorer Than Men is an inspiring guide to creating a more equitable workplace.

?? "The Dinner Party" by Judy Chicago.

In 1974, American artist Judy Chicago made history with her groundbreaking feminist installation, The Dinner Party, a monumental tribute to women's contributions to society throughout history. The artwork brings together 39 extraordinary women from various fields and cultures, from the Hindu goddess Kali to literary giant Virginia Woolf, renowned painter Artemisia Gentileschi, and abolitionist Sojourner Truth. These figures represent the hidden stories of women whose achievements have often been overlooked or undervalued in historical narratives.

Each woman in The Dinner Party has a personalized place setting, complete with hand-painted ceramic plates and embroidered table runners—both traditionally “feminine” crafts that have been historically underappreciated in the art world. Yet, Chicago elevates these crafts to a form of high art, creating a striking and symbolic visual representation of their contributions. Beneath the dinner table, a hand-crafted porcelain tile floor bears the names of 998 other women who have helped advance humanity.

The Dinner Party's message?is twofold. First, it highlights that women deserve a place at the table of history, recognizing their influence in shaping society. Second, it challenges the notion that monumental art is exclusively a male domain. Judy Chicago, with the help of 400 volunteers, took five years to complete this massive installation, proving that women artists can create works on a grand scale.

This masterpiece, viewed by nearly 15 million people, is now housed at the Brooklyn Museum in New York. Its lasting impact lies in its force to reconsider the artistic, cultural, and historical contributions of women—both known and unknown.

Chicago's The Dinner Party isn't just a piece of art ; it is a powerful statement on reclaiming space and visibility for women in history, a message that continues to inspire generations of artists, feminists, and society.

Thank you for reading this newsletter. I hope you enjoyed it. Do not hesitate to share your comments with me. If you think this newsletter might be helpful to someone in your network, please share it. See you soon.