Türkiye Joins the Equal Pay International Coalition: A Bold Step Towards Pay Equity
Türkiye has officially joined the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), reaffirming its commitment to achieving pay equity and promoting economic inclusivity. This significant move underscores Türkiye’s dedication to eliminating workplace discrimination and ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.
Established in 2017 and co-led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Women, and the OECD, EPIC is a global initiative focused on closing the gender pay gap. Through advocacy, policy development, and international cooperation, EPIC supports governments, employers, workers, and civil society in implementing concrete actions to achieve pay equity. By joining EPIC, Türkiye signals its intent to accelerate progress toward these goals.
Türkiye’s Ongoing Efforts Towards Equal Pay
Türkiye's dedication to pay equity is longstanding. The country ratified the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention No. 100 (C100) in 1966, establishing a foundational commitment to equal remuneration for work of equal value. This early commitment established the foundation for equal remuneration for work of equal value. Building on this, the Turkish Labour Law was updated in 2003 to include specific provisions for the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women. These efforts have been supported by various projects and policies aimed at promoting equal opportunities in the workplace. Türkiye’s decision to join EPIC represents not only a reaffirmation of these efforts but also a strategic step to strengthen mechanisms for achieving pay equity.
Recognition at the G20 Event
During a recent event co-hosted by EPIC and the Brazilian government at the G20 meetings in Fortaleza, Brazil, Türkiye was recognized for its commitment to joining the coalition. With Türkiye’s addition, EPIC now includes 28 governments among its 65 member organizations, which span governments, employers, workers, academia, and civil society. The event, titled “Together Let’s Close the Gender Pay Gap NOW,” highlighted the urgent need to achieve Target 8.5 of the SDGs and underscored how pay equity can drive progress in reducing poverty, hunger, and inequality.
The Need for Urgent Action
Globally, individuals performing work of equal value often experience pay discrepancies, with ILO estimates indicating a 20% gap in earnings. At the current rate of progress, closing this gap could take over 250 years. In Türkiye, similar challenges remain, necessitating robust and sustained measures to ensure pay equity. EPIC aligns Türkiye with a growing global movement committed to ending pay inequities by 2030. According to the ILO, coordinated efforts can significantly accelerate progress, and EPIC’s role remains crucial to achieving this ambitious target.
A Regional and Global Perspective
Türkiye’s membership in EPIC strengthens its national initiatives and positions the country as a regional leader advocating for pay equity. By sharing experiences and collaborating with other member states, Türkiye aims to contribute to a global movement that challenges stereotypes, dismantles systemic barriers, and advances the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr. Oguz Tuncay, Director General for Foreign Relations and European Union at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, emphasized Türkiye’s commitment: “We are proud to join the Equal Pay International Coalition and commit to working together to achieve pay equity. This partnership will enable us to share best practices, learn from other countries, and accelerate progress towards our goal of eliminating pay inequities by 2030. Furthermore, it will drive transformative changes, fostering pay equity not only nationally but also across the region.”
Mr. Yasser Hassan,
the Director of the ILO Office for Türkiye said, “We warmly welcome Türkiye's decision to join EPIC, marking a significant step forward in advancing equal pay for work of equal value and fostering economic inclusivity. The ILO Office for Türkiye reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the Turkish Government and its social partners to accelerate progress toward pay equity. Together, we can ensure that this initiative paves the way for a more just and equitable future for everyone.”