International Equal Pay Day observed on 18th September represents the long-standing efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. The symbolic day aims to highlight issues related to the gender pay gap and raise awareness around the world. The main objective of this event is to end the history of gender discrimination which is usually done by paying women less than their male counterparts.
Significance :
The day holds great significance in modern times as it shows that wage inequality still remains a reality. The day provides a global platform for women to raise the issue through various campaigns. International Equal Pay Day also encourages people to engage with social causes by identifying strategies for its implementation.
History :
International Equal Pay Day was 1st observed in 1996 by the National Committee on Wage Equity. It was a coalition of women and civil rights organizations that worked towards ending gender and race-based pay discrimination. The goal was to achieve pay equity. It was not until 2019 that the International Coalition for Equal Pay officially began marking it as a day to raise awareness. In 2020, the move was recognized by the United Nations and they celebrated the first International Equal Pay on 18th September 2020.
