International Equal Pay Day

What is International Equal Pay Day?
International Equal Pay Day is observed annually on September 18 to raise awareness about the persistent gender pay gap and advocate for equal pay for work of equal value. This day symbolizes the additional months women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year, highlighting the global issue of wage inequality.

Quick Facts

When is it? September 18
Tagged as: Awareness, Gender Equality, Human Rights
What’s the hashtag? #EqualPayDay
When was it founded? 2020
Who founded it? United Nations (UN) in collaboration with the Equal Pay International Coalition

History of International Equal Pay Day

The movement for equal pay began decades ago, with the first Equal Pay Day organized in 1996 by the National Committee on Pay Equity in the U.S. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed September 18 as International Equal Pay Day. The inaugural celebration took place in 2020, marking a global commitment to closing the gender wage gap.

Timeline

1963: The U.S. passes the Equal Pay Act, a landmark law addressing wage discrimination.
1996: The first Equal Pay Day is observed in the U.S. to highlight wage disparities.
2019: The UN declares September 18 as International Equal Pay Day.
2020: The first official International Equal Pay Day is celebrated globally.

International Equal Pay Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 18	Thursday
2026	September 18	Friday
2027	September 18	Saturday
2028	September 18	Monday
2029	September 18	Tuesday
2030	September 18	Wednesday

Observed: International Equal Pay Day

International Equal Pay Day is observed globally to address systemic wage disparities and promote equitable compensation practices.

The day serves as a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to discuss strategies for closing the gender pay gap. Events include workshops, campaigns, and policy discussions aimed at fostering fair pay practices across industries.

Additionally, this day emphasizes intersectionality by highlighting how factors like race, ethnicity, and disability exacerbate wage inequalities for women in different regions.

Finally, International Equal Pay Day inspires collective action toward achieving pay equity by advocating for transparency and accountability in workplaces worldwide.

Fun Facts About International Equal Pay Day

Women globally earn approximately 77 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Hispanic women in the U.S. earn only 57% of what white men earn.
The gender pay gap costs women hundreds of thousands of dollars over their careers.

Quiz

When is International Equal Pay Day observed annually?
What percentage of a man’s earnings does an average woman make globally?
Who proclaimed September 18 as International Equal Pay Day?
What year was the first official International Equal Pay Day celebrated?
What is the hashtag associated with this day?

(Answers: 1. September 18; 2. Around 77%; 3. United Nations; 4. 2020; 5. #EqualPayDay)

FAQs

What is the purpose of International Equal Pay Day?
It aims to raise awareness about wage disparities between men and women and advocate for equal pay for equal work.
Why is it celebrated on September 18?
This date symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.
Who observes this day?
Governments, organizations, activists, and individuals worldwide observe this day.
What actions can be taken to close the gender pay gap?
Promoting transparency in salaries, implementing equitable hiring practices, and enforcing anti-discrimination laws are key steps.
Is there still a gender pay gap today?
Yes, globally, women earn about 20% less than men, with variations based on race and region.

Importance of International Equal Pay Day

International Equal Pay Day highlights ongoing disparities in wages between men and women across all sectors and regions. It underscores that achieving pay equity is not just a matter of fairness but also essential for economic growth and social justice.

The day also sheds light on how wage gaps disproportionately affect marginalized groups such as women of color or those with disabilities. Addressing these disparities can lead to more inclusive societies.

Finally, this observance inspires global action by encouraging policymakers and employers to implement measures that ensure equal pay for equal work, thereby fostering equality and empowerment for all genders.