The International Equal Pay Day (IEPD) is celebrated globally on September 18th each year. It represents long-term strides to achieve an equal pay for equal work put in by women and men. 

In 2019, the United Nations declared September 18th the International Equal Pay Day, to create conversations around the topic and push for legislation that aims to draw attention to the continuing gender pay gap between men and women. 

Importance of the International Equal Pay Day

The gender pay gap remains a critical issue worldwide. 

According to a report from the United Nations, women earn 77% percent for every dollar men earn for equal work of value, with an even wider wage gap for women with children. This wage inequality is often worse for women in low-income countries, women of color, and women with disabilities. 

These groups often face barriers to fair pay, intensify wage and economic inequities.

Since 2019, the IEPD has been celebrated every year, providing an opportunity to reflect on the persistent wage gap that leaves women earning less than men earn in their careers. 

This is primarily caused by several factors driven by gender bias. Consequently, the push for an equal pay cuts across human rights and gender spectrums. 

A statement from the UN says that, “Achieving equal pay is an important milestone for human rights and gender equality.” 

Gender Pay Gap Africa highlights that closing the gender pay gap transcends fairness and is essential for building a more equitable, prosperous, and just society.

Sierra Leone’s Gender Pay Gap Outlook

Sierra Leone isn’t among the top 10 countries in Africa with the most or least gender pay gap, but the country made a little progress in advancing the gender pay gap from 2023-2024. The country is ranked 80th globally and 13th in Africa in the latest Global Gender Gap rankings 2024. It moved 32 places up from the previous year and scored +0.040 points.

In 2022, the government passed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, a groundbreaking legislation supporting the gender agenda. The country’s minimum wage is SLE 800 (USD 35). Both women and men whether privately employed or in the civil service receive this (in theory) or anything above it depending on their employer or pay grade. 

While in Africa there has been no increment in the gender pay gap between men and women, however, efforts to close the gender pay gap across the continent of Africa have stalled, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Due to the  global unrest and economic challenges the gap has widened by six percent (6%).

The data shows that women in 41 African countries on average, earn thirty nine percent (39%) much lower than what men earn and always find it difficult to receive the same salary or wage they struggle for a job as their male colleagues.

Image from University of Carpentry

Efforts Made Internationally to Address the Gender Pay Gap

To bridge the gap, international efforts are crucial. The United Nations stresses the need to mainstream gender equality in the implementing sustainable development to support women worldwide who are deprived of what they have rightfully earned.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) call for the promotion of gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and the elimination of discriminatory practices, including unequal pay. 

Efforts to achieve equal pay require collaboration across the global community. Organizations like UN women and the ILO, along with member states, civil society, feminist groups, and businesses, are called upon to promote policies and practices that support pay equity. 

As the world celebrates International Equal Pay Day annually, the fight for gender pay equity remains crucial. The ongoing efforts of governments, activists, and International Organizations to close the gap are vital to ensuring a more just and equitable world for women and girls everywhere.

STORY DONE BY: DAVID BANGURA