International Equal Pay Day 2023: International Pay Day occurs annually on September 18. The Equal Pay International Coalition created this holiday in 2019 to bring attention to this enduring issue. Their objective is to eliminate pay discrimination. This day illuminates the impact of the wage disparity on women of color and other minorities. Many Americans continue to deny the existence of the gender pay disparity, despite the fact that many organizations are working hard to eliminate it. People must therefore educate themselves and those around them. Fixing an issue will be made more difficult if a large number of individuals fail to recognize its existence.
HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EQUAL PAY
International Equal Pay Day occurs annually on September 18. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the gender pay disparity and advocating for its closure. In 2019, women earned approximately $0.82 for every dollar a male made in the United States. Additionally, the gender pay disparity varies by race, ethnicity, and disability. Hispanic women in the United States are presently paid 57% less than white men. The problem with the wage disparity is that it affects multiple generations of families, with women of color accumulating on average less wealth. This pay disparity is prevalent in almost all occupations and industries, but particularly those dominated by men. The annual compensation of female surgeons is $19 billion less than that of their male counterparts.
Employers are required to ensure that affirmative defenses apply when determining wages. This indicates that differences in pay may be acceptable when seniority and job description are considered. If the pay disparity is based on the gender of the employees, the employer must increase a woman’s pay rather than decrease a man’s.
The Equal Pay Act, enacted in 1983, stipulated that employees of both sexes should be paid equally for jobs with comparable working conditions and requiring the same level of talent, effort, and responsibility. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, religion, skin color, and sexual orientation. This is crucial. As they are paid even less than white women, women of color are frequently overlooked in discussions of the gender wage disparity.
Global Company Culture Day 2023: Date, History, Significance, Facts (newsd.in)
FIVE FACTS ABOUT THE PAY GAP
The pink levy
The price of feminine variants of the same product is higher due to the fact that they are designed for women.
Eliminating the wage disparity between men and women
If the gender pay disparity were eliminated, women would receive enough money annually to pay for a year of child care or nine months of rent.
It is beneficial for all
If the gender wage disparity were to close, American working women’s poverty would be cut in half.
Mothers have the worst of it
Working mothers earn 75 cents for every dollar, compared to 54 cents for single mothers.
It becomes worse as women age.
The largest age gap for women is between 55 and 64 years old, which also impacts their pension.
WHY GLOBAL EQUAL PAYDAY IS IMPORTANT
Not all believe a pay disparity exists.
The United States Census Bureau confirms the wage disparity. Despite the abundance of evidence and statistics, 46% of American men and 30% of American women believe that the age divide is artificially created. This day draws attention to the issue and prompts reflection.
It educates us on related matters
In addition to receiving less remuneration, women pay more for the same services. The interest rates on mortgage loans, hygiene products, clothing, and salon services are higher for women. This day brings awareness to these issues.
The wage divide sustains institutional racism
As the majority of women affected are women of color, the gender pay disparity in America is directly linked to racism. If people of color are paid less on average, this impacts their health, education, and life opportunities. Only awareness and lobbying against unfairness will alter it.
Constitution Day 2023 (US): Date, History, Activities, Facts
INTERNATIONAL EQUAL PAY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 18 | Monday |
| 2024 | September 18 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | September 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 18 | Friday |
| 2027 | September 18 | Saturday |
