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Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow

23 February, 202270 years after ILO Convention 100 on equal remuneration was adopted, the gender pay gap remains at an average of 20 per cent across the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the time it would take to close this gap from 99.5 years to 135.6 years.

Companies are failing to make the necessary changes for women to have the same opportunities as men. Continued gender-based job segregation in IndustriALL’s sectors, in particular in technology, is likely to drive increasing gender inequality (including wage inequality) in the future of work.

The gender pay gap reduces women’s capacity to secure an independent and decent income. Factors contributing to the gender pay gap include:

  • job segregation
  • discrimination
  • gender stereotypes and social norms that limit women’s access to labour markets and quality jobs
  • undervaluation of women’s work
  • gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work
  • uneven distribution of care responsibilities and unpaid work

A Just Transition for workers in our sectors will never be achieved without gender equality. In December, IndustriALL Women's Committee identified and prioritised action to fight gender-based discrimination in our sectors, starting with the gender pay gap.

It is urgent for trade unions to step up action for the adoption and implementation of policies, at all levels, ensuring equal opportunities for employment for all workers, men and women, including in green and STEM industries, as well as for equal treatment and equal pay.

For International Women's Day this year, follow IndustriALL online for a discussion on the gender gap and equal pay for equal value.

And let us know what your union will do on 8 March! Please use the hashtags #ALLWomen and #PayEquityForALL