International Equal Pay Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Equal Pay Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Equal Pay Day is observed on September 18th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Equal Pay Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you should know about International Equal Pay Day.

📅 What day is International Equal Pay Day 2024?

In 2024, International Equal Pay Day is on Monday, September 18th. It is the 3rd Monday in September; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about September 18, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year on September 18th, International Pay Day is commemorated to draw attention to the ongoing issue of wage disparities. The holiday was established by the Equal Pay International Coalition in 2019 with the aim of eliminating gaps in compensation. Specifically, it sheds light on how wage disparities impact women of color and other minority groups. Despite efforts by various organizations to narrow the gender wage gap, there are still many Americans who deny its existence. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to educate themselves and others about this problem. Without widespread recognition of the issue, the task of resolving it becomes much more difficult.

📜 International Equal Pay Day History

Employers are required to ensure that fair defenses are in place when determining pay, which means that differences in salary may be allowed when considering factors such as seniority and job description. However, if the disparity in pay is based on an employee’s gender, the employer must increase the salary of a woman rather than decrease the salary of a man.

The Equal Pay Act of 1983 established that employees of both genders should receive equal pay for positions that have similar working conditions and require the same level of skill, effort, and responsibility. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 further strengthened this law by prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, or sex. It is important to note that women of color often face additional challenges in addressing the gender wage gap, as they are often paid less than white women.

✅ International Equal Pay Day Facts

🔖 Eliminating the gender pay gap
Closing the gender wage gap would enable women to earn sufficient income to afford a year’s worth of child care expenses or pay for nine months of rent.

🔖 It benefits everyone
If the gender pay gap were to be eliminated, the poverty rate among working women in America would decrease by half.

🔖 The pink tax
Feminine versions of a product tend to be more expensive simply because they are targeted towards women.

👍 Why Is International Equal Pay Day Important

The compensation disparity has been confirmed by the United States Census Bureau. Despite a mountain of proof and statistics, 46% of American men and 30% of American women say the age gap is fabricated. This day draws attention to the issue and encourages people to think about it.

In addition to being paid less, women are charged extra for the same services. Interest rates for home loans, hygiene items, clothing, and salon services are higher for women. This day brings these concerns to our attention.

Because the bulk of individuals impacted are women of color, the gender wage gap is inextricably related to racism in America. People of color are often paid less, which has an impact on their health, education, and life possibilities. Only raising awareness and lobbying against injustice can bring about change.

🙂 How To Observe International Equal Pay Day

⚡ Start a conversation

⚡ Exercise your rights
Compose an email addressing your congressional representatives to voice your worries. Advocate for the Paycheck Fairness Act, a crucial measure aimed at eradicating wage discrimination against women and individuals from diverse racial backgrounds.

⚡ Donate
Educate others on the gender wage gap and encourage those who disagree to conduct their own research. The more individuals who understand the wage disparity, the more likely they are to support the cause. People will not act if they are unaware of the harm caused by the wage disparity.

📅 When is International Equal Pay Day?

Discover all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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