United Nations(UN)’s International Equal Pay Day is annually observed across the globe on 18th September as an effort to eliminate the gender pay gap and to overcome the sexual discrimination against women and girls in employment.
18th September 2021 marks the observance of the 2nd International Equal Pay Day.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/74/142 on 18 December 2019 and proclaimed the 18th September of every year as the International Equal Pay Day.
ii.The first International Equal Pay Day was observed on 18th September 2020.
International Equal Pay Day 2021:
The International Equal pay Day 2021 focuses on the efforts of key labour market actors to ensure that equal pay is central to global epidemic reactions and to fully recognize women’s contribution to COVID-19 recovery.
Gender Pay Gap:
i.Women across the globe are paid less than men, the estimated global gender pay gap is at 23%.
ii.Women earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn for work of equal value, it is estimated that it will take 257 years to close the global gender pay gap.
iii.Equal pay is one of the important aspects of human rights and gender equality.
Efforts Against Gender Pay Gap:
Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC):
i.The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), led by the International Labour Organization(ILO), UN Women, and partners, was established to contribute to the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value and the relevant Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
ii.EPIC focuses on SDGs target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
iii.SDGs address the need to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls to ensure inclusive development.
UN Equal Pay Champions:
Oscar-winning actress Patricia Arquette joined the United Nations Equal Pay Platform of Champions
#Stoptherobbery Campaign:
The UN Women’s equal pay campaign “#Stoptherobbery’ aims to create awareness about the gender pay gap.
About UN Women:
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Executive Director– Sima Sami Bahous
Headquarters– New York, United States of America(USA)
