Brazil Launches National Plan to Advance Equal Pay and Gender Equality in the Workplace
In a major step forward for gender equality, the Brazilian federal government has launched the National Plan for Equal Pay and Labour between Women and Men, which will guide national efforts through 2027. The plan lays out a clear framework of policies and practical measures designed to close the gender pay gap and promote equal opportunities for women in the world of work.
At its core, the plan focuses on breaking down the systemic barriers that continue to hinder women’s full participation and advancement in the labour market. It is built around three key pillars:
1. Access and Entry into the Workforce
This pillar aims to expand women’s participation in the labour market by addressing the structural challenges that prevent women - especially those from marginalized backgrounds- from entering the workforce on equal footing with men.
2. Support for Women to Stay and Thrive in the Workplace
Beyond access, the plan acknowledges the importance of helping women remain in employment. It supports measures to improve work-life balance and promote the shared responsibility of caregiving, making it easier for women to build long-term careers without being forced out due to family obligations.
3. Advancement and Recognition of Women’s Work
To ensure women can reach their full professional potential, the plan encourages efforts to promote women’s career advancement—especially in STEM fields and leadership roles. This includes initiatives aimed at young women, helping them access traditionally male-dominated sectors and climb the career ladder.
By addressing these three areas, the National Plan sends a strong signal: Brazil is committed to building a fairer, more inclusive labour market - one where women’s contributions are valued equally, and their opportunities for growth are unrestricted.
As the plan moves from design to implementation, it marks a critical opportunity for employers, policymakers, and civil society to work together in making equal pay not just a policy goal, but a national standard.