The gender pay gap is an issue on a global scale that not only affects economies but also societies across continents. Men and women often don't get paid the same amount of money for doing similar jobs. According to World Inequality Report 2022, women earn about 16% less than men. This is not fair and happens because of how our society and workplaces are set up. It's not just about money. It's also about how people think and the rules in place.
Gender Pay Gap in India
In India, the gender pay gap is alarmingly high, with women earning approximately 27% less than men. This big difference in pay is because of how things have been for a long time and the way people think, shaping the workplace dynamics in the country. Occupational segregation, wherein women often end up working in jobs that don't pay as much, plays a significant role. Furthermore, the work that women typically do is often not seen as important and is undervalued which eventually deepens this disparity, broadening gender-based economic inequality.
SuperBottoms stance this Women’s Day
If women worked only as much as they were paid for there would be a major shift in the socio-economic world. If they could fully capitalise on their skills and potential, it would not only elevate their financial status but also create a more egalitarian society. SuperBottoms, in their latest ad campaign, has recognised exactly that and understood the need for reshaping the narrative around women's work and compensation. They are challenging traditional norms and advocating for a fairer and more transparent approach to remuneration. Their initiative, #SnapTheGap encourages the audience to join the cause, emphasising the importance of closing the gender wage gap.
Watch it here
Why do we need to #SnapTheGap?
Addressing the gender pay gap requires various approaches that tackle both individual and systemic factors. Implementing equal pay legislation is important to ensure that women are compensated fairly for their work. Companies must actively eliminate biases in hiring, promotions, and performance evaluations. Flexible work policies, affordable childcare facilities, and initiatives promoting women's career advancement can contribute to breaking down barriers and allowing women's professional growth. We must initiate open conversations about how much people get paid to stop unfair pay from happening secretly.
How can we resolve it?
Resolving the gender pay gap is a collective responsibility that demands concerted efforts from governments, and businesses. And brands like SuperBottoms are doing exactly that. They are changing the narrative. They aren’t just dismantling the gender pay gap but are also empowering women to contribute more meaningfully to the workforce. Breaking these barriers will uplift and provide them the economic independence they deserve, creating a fair and inclusive economic landscape as well. Closing the gender pay gap is not just a matter of economic justice. It is an important step towards building a more equitable society. Beyond the financial aspect, achieving pay parity enhances workplace morale, productivity, and innovation.
*This article is in partnership with SuperBottoms*