After the second wave of the feminist movement, the world took a sharp turn, and a whole lot of things have changed so far. The spike was so rapid that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over half of the labor force in the U.S. were women. But the participation is not enough. How society accepts and treats them is also a vital aspect.
Yes, we are pointing towards the gender payment gap, which is putting gunpowder on the fire of gender discrimination. The gender payment gap refers to the difference in average earnings between men and women in the workforce. This mindset is a huddle before women’s uplifting as well as economic growth.
By acknowledging the economic implications of gender pay disparity and its impact on societal balance, the introduction underscores the significance of finding effective solutions.
We indeed acknowledge the economic implications of gender pay disparity, and we also recognize its impact on societal balance. However, we have taken a step forward to find a solution, and our aim is to resolve this issue. We have underscored the significance of finding effective solutions to this issue; let’s check.
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The 5 solutions to cater to the gender pay gap between men and women
The issue of the gender payment gap needs to be addressed in order to overcome discrimination. Here are the 5 solutions that will help to combat the gender payment gap:-
1. Equal pay legislation
Equality is itself a fundamenal right of every individual. It is always supported by society and secured by law. In that view, equal pay legislation is also an act towards fundamental rights. Payment law can address gender bias as well as the exploitation private companies do to every individual.
Wages dispute is not a modern-day problem; history is witnessing this long-running issue. Law can protect this right of women, plus societies can ensure that individuals are compensated fairly irrespective of their gender, race, or other protected characteristics.
Although this “equal pay legislation” is not a new solution. As of 2023, 14 countries have come further and successfully implemented respecting the legal perspective, including equal pay for equal work. Iceland is the first country to implement the law and follow which countries like Belgium, Canada, Denmark, and many other countries have placed a special provision for “Gender pay legislation.”
2. Pay transparency initiatives
Transparency in the work environment is vital as it holds the trust of employees and builds strong communication. When transparency is there in payment, it will justify all the employees’ workload and wage balance. Pay transparency will not only narrow the pay gap between different demographic groups but also make it harder for wage disparities to persist.
Promoting pay transparency involves steps to make it effective. The employer needs to disclose the compensation information within the company environment. It should include correct valuation of tasks with position-based salary. The company should openly discuss the employees ‘ salaries, collect their views, and implement the most appropriate suggestions. The suggestions should be considered free from any gender bias.
Many companies keep this as their trade secret and think that it will disclose their profit. But surprisingly, case studies reveal that pay transparency initiatives yield positive outcomes. It significantly increases the trust among employees and drops the scale of gender-based pay differences.
3. Gender-inclusive education and career guidance
Gender differences are a curse of the society that divides men and women according to their work. The difference we have created is promoting inequality, where both are not getting equal payoffs based on the workload.
It is hard to erase this mindset which they developed throughout their life. However, it is easier to incorporate the correct approach from childhood. Gender-inclusive education is pivotal for breaking down stereotypes from an early age.
Education and career can be pursued without any bias if proper education is provided to the child. It will encourage the female group to compete with men equally in every field. A child needs exposure to various roles irrespective of the thought of any gender-based biases. It will surely improve their skills rather than societal expectations.
Countries like Sweden set an example for the world by implementing gender equality education into its curriculum. Similarly, India has a campaign aims to bridge gender gaps in education.
4. Flexible work arrangements
Flexible work arrangements refer to alternative work setups that allow employees to have more control over when and where they work. When someone can decide when and how they should work, he or she can give his or her best with any objection.
There are many advantages of such arrangements for both men and women. The concept of flexible work can assist individuals in effectively managing their work responsibilities alongside their familial obligations.
The companies that have successfully implemented flexible work policies highlight their positive impact on work-life balance.
5. Parental leave policies
The influence of parental leave policies is required to achieve gender equality within workplaces. Women play the role of mother, she has to be there with the kid. She even needs complete rest during her crucial phase of pregnancy.
Parental leave policies involve a comparison of the parental leave policies across different countries, shedding light on variations and commonalities. It plays a vital role in encouraging the sharing of caregiving responsibilities between parents.
Read more: Top 10 most gender-equal countries: what do they have in common
