EqualPayDay – Women Working For Free Until 2017

History was made last month when Hillary Clinton ran as the first-ever US female presidential nominee, which if she had been successful, would have seen her become the first-ever female president. But despite her seeming popularity, she was beaten to the post by Donald Trump.

Clinton commented, ‘We have still have not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling. But some day, someone will’.

There has been further evidence this month that gender equality has still not been realised.  Equal Pay Day fell on 10th November, and marked the point in the year from which women were effectively working for free, when their earnings were compared to their male counterparts.

It’s a full 51 days, yet despite how shocking it might seem, it would appear that some positive progress is being made. Twenty years ago, women worked 76 days for free.

At the current rate of change, true gender equality in terms of pay will not be realised for another 62 years.  This is based on a methodology created by the Fawcett Society, using ONS data.

Of course, legislation exists to fight discrimination in the workplace, but it’s clear that we still have a long way to go.  The shocking reality here is that it’s quite likely that in our lifetimes, we won’t reach the point where men and women are being paid the same for their skills and talents

If you’re a business owner then you have a responsibility to step up and play your part in closing the gap.  How will you be leading by example?

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