Equal Pay: A Battle Still Unfinished

In a recent LinkedIn post by Shelley Zalis, Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, reminds us that equal pay is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The fight for equal pay is a story of women’s strength and perseverance, yet it’s also a tale of unfinished progress.

Imagine a world where everyone receives fair compensation for their work, regardless of gender. Sounds ideal, right? Unfortunately, we’re not there yet. However, women globally are pushing hard to turn this vision into reality.

Let’s take a trip back in time to October 24, 1975, in Iceland. On this day, something remarkable happened. Women across the nation decided to stop everything—no cooking, no cleaning, no childcare, no office work. The country came to a standstill. Why? To demonstrate just how essential women are to society.

This bold stand made a significant impact. Today, Iceland ranks as one of the most gender-equal countries globally. Back in 1975, Icelandic women were paid 40% less than men for the same work. Today, that wage gap has narrowed to less than 10%. This progress is enormous!

Despite these strides, the rest of the world is still playing catch-up. Globally, women are paid, on average, 20% less than men for the same job. The gap widens even more for women of color and women in lower-income countries, making the issue a global challenge that affects millions.

Women face multiple hurdles in the workplace. They tend to shoulder more unpaid domestic work, such as caring for children or elderly family members, which leaves them with less time and energy for paid work. They’re also less likely to hold leadership roles—only about 28% of leaders worldwide are women. The “motherhood penalty,” where mothers are paid less or passed over for promotions, adds another layer of inequality.

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified existing inequalities, with many women losing jobs or leaving work to care for their families. Yet, as recovery begins, women are leading the return to the workforce, showing resilience. Women of color face even greater challenges, often working in essential roles but earning the least. This deepens inequality and limits their ability to save and secure their family’s future.

So, what can we do? Talk about the issue. Support companies committed to equality. Empower young women to break into traditionally male-dominated fields. Push for stronger laws that protect against workplace discrimination.

Equal pay isn’t just a women’s issue—it benefits everyone by strengthening families, communities, and the economy. Let’s learn from the past, like the Icelandic strike, and push for lasting change today.

Subha KS – Staff Reporter