Pay gaps between women and men represent one of today’s greatest social injustice rooted in
longstanding disparities in labour markets. It’s time to close this type of discrimination.
On average, women globally are paid about 20 per cent less than men, according to the International
Labour Organisation (ILO). ‘While individual characteristics such as education, working time,
occupational segregation, skills, or experience explain part of the pay gap between women and
men, ILO says that a large part is due to discrimination based on sexi’. The total gap in labour income
is a consequence of the gap between women and men in average income per worker and the gap in
employment.

A new indicator developed by the International Labour Organization finds that women’s access to
employment, working conditions and labour income gap have barely improved in the past two
decadesii. “This situation can no longer continue. Pay gap based on sex is also a form of violence against
women”, says Lilian Halls–French, EFI Co–President.

Facts are telling:
• Women are concentrated in lower–paid, lower–skill work.
• For every dollar men earn, women earn 51 centsiii.
• Women are under–represented in decision–making roles.
• Women carry out at least 2.5 times more unpaid work than men.

These facts highlight extent of inequalities in the labour market, emphasizing the significance of
improving women’s comprehensive involvement in the workforce. This involves broadening their
opportunities across various professions and tackling the evident issues in job quality that
disproportionately affect women while ensuring equal treatment for work of equal value