Equal Remuneration and Gender Pay Gap

Study Notes

Equal Remuneration: Bridging the Gender Pay Gap

Equal remuneration refers to the principle that all workers should receive equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of their gender or any other factors such as race, ethnicity, disability, or age. This concept is based on the belief that everyone deserves to earn a fair income for the job they do, without discrimination. In this article, we'll explore the importance of equal remuneration, its history, and the challenges faced in achieving true equality.

Equal Remuneration Convention

The Equal Remuneration Convention, also known as No. 100, was adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on June 29, 1951. This convention defines "remuneration" to include not only wages but also additional payments like bonuses, overtime, and benefits paid either directly or indirectly by employers to employees. It sets out principles for ensuring equal pay for women and men for jobs with equal value, recognizing that women and men often perform jobs with varying qualifications, skills, responsibilities, and working conditions while holding equal value.

The Persistence of the Gender Pay Gap

Despite the Equal Remuneration Convention, the gender pay gap remains a global issue. Women worldwide earn approximately 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. This gap becomes even wider for women of color, migrant women, women with disabilities, and women with children. Factors contributing to this gap include:

Undervaluing Female-Dominated Work: Many jobs traditionally held by women are informal and undervalued, perpetuating the gender pay gap.
Unequal Distribution of Care Responsibilities: Women perform significantly more unpaid care work than men, including household chores and caring for dependents.
The Motherhood Penalty: Working mothers face lower wages due to reduced working time, fewer high-paying jobs, biased hiring and promotion decisions, and limited programs supporting their return to work.

Fighting for Pay Equity

Pay equity is crucial because it addresses a significant injustice, contributing to poverty and disparity for millions of women and their families worldwide. Several measures can be taken to promote equal pay:

Legislation: Countries can adopt laws enforcing equal remuneration for jobs of equal value. For example, New Zealand passed the Equal Pay Amendment Bill in 2020, ensuring gender parity in different but equally valuable roles.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of equal pay can encourage employers to review their pay practices.
Education and Training: Providing education and training opportunities can empower women to negotiate better wages and pursue higher-paying positions.

In conclusion, equal remuneration is vital for promoting fairness, reducing inequality, and fostering economic growth. However, achieving true equality remains a challenge due to deeply ingrained biases and societal norms. By addressing these issues through legislation, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs, we can work towards a world where all workers receive equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of their gender or other factors.

Description

Explore the concept of equal remuneration, the Equal Remuneration Convention, the persistence of the gender pay gap, and strategies for achieving pay equity. Learn about the importance of equal pay, the challenges faced, and measures to promote fairness in remuneration.