International Equal Pay Day 2024 / Pay of the Future: Solutions to close the gender pay gap
To celebrate International Equal Pay Day, the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) held a high-level event on 18 September 2024 at UN Women in New York, New York. The event reflected on progress made and importantly, what still needs to be done to achieve equal pay for work of equal value. Speakers from international organizations, the sports industry, government and employers’ and workers’ organizations shared how they’ve successfully moved the needle in their sectors through different policies, initiatives and tools.
The event began with a video that highlighted the importance of the gender pay gap, illuminating how 20 cents – the gender pay gap – makes material differences to women’s lives over days, weeks and years. The video also introduced EPIC, sharing how it is working with all stakeholders to promote equal pay for work of equal value.
Sarah Hendriks, the Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Director of UN Women, delivered opening remarks, highlighting that the gender pay gap remains a stark manifestation of inequality. She shared that equal pay for work of equal value is a matter of justice and rights as well as an economic imperative. Hendriks highlighted Goals 5 and 8 (on gender equality and decent work and economic growth) of the Sustainable Development Goals, urging renewed efforts to close the gender pay gap by 2030, especially in the context of the approaching Summit of the Future and Beijing+30.
Ashley Bernard, Founder and CEO of Haven Hill and the event’s keynote speaker, highlighted the progress made toward achieving equal prize money in professional squash. She explained that significant strides were possible by merging the sport’s governing bodies, establishing unified regulations, and fostering collaboration with men. As a result, tournament organizers were compelled to offer equal prize money. This approach has proven that "a rising tide lifts all boats," as revenue, viewership, and prize pools have increased since closing the gender prize gap. Looking ahead, Bernard emphasized that true equality in sports requires not only equal pay for equal work but also equal treatment, visibility, and leadership opportunities for women.
A panel discussion covering a range of solutions to close the gender pay gap, from legislative reforms to business practices, followed. Paddy Torsney, Permanent Observer to the UN, Inter-Parliamentary Union, shared success stories from around the world, including Iceland’s equal pay certification and Rwanda’s gender-responsive budgeting. Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary, SHRM, discussed the role of human resources in addressing pay gaps, advocating for pay transparency and inclusive hiring practices. Stuart Appelbaum, President, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) and Chair, AFL-CIO International Committee, highlighted the historical role of unions in fighting for gender pay equity and the need to address low wages in feminized sectors. He stressed that equal pay is essential not just for women but for achieving broader social and economic justice. Adina Sterling, Associate Professor of Management Columbia University pointed to early educational choices and workplace cultures that impact career trajectories and ultimately contribute to the residual pay gap. Béatrice Maillé, Legal Advisor and Minister-Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN, emphasized that closing the gender pay gap is a journey that requires cooperation among different groups and shared Canada’s Pay Equity Policy as a key success in Canada’s journey toward achieving equal pay for work of equal value.
The closing remarks by Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon Special Representative to the United Nations and Director of the ILO Office for the United Nations reaffirmed the importance of the right to equal pay for work of equal value, enshrined in ILO Convention 100. Samuel-Olonjuwon warned of the risks posed by artificial intelligence in deepening gender inequalities and called for collective action as the world approaches critical milestones like Beijing+30.
Overall, the event underscored that while progress has been made, significant work remains to close the gender pay gap, and it will require a concerted global effort across governments, businesses, and civil society. EPIC, which now includes 64 members, continues to serve as a powerful catalyst in this movement, promoting knowledge sharing, legislative reforms, and social dialogue.
Photo credit: UN Women/Ryan Brown