Why NZ should be the first country where women earn equal pay

The gender pay gap in New Zealand persists across different sectors of the economy and exists regardless of qualifications, skills and experience

Why NZ should be the first country where women earn equal pay

In 1972 New Zealand passed the Equal Pay Act, however women have continued to be paid less than men in the 45 years since.

Indeed, the gender pay gap in New Zealand persists across different sectors of the economy and exists regardless of qualifications, skills and experience.

New Zealand was ranked ninth in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap report for 2017 with a gender pay gap of 9.4%, based on median hourly earnings.

YWCA Auckland Acting CEO Kat Doughty said that this year marks a crucial period for closing the gender pay gap in New Zealand.

“We were the first country where women were given the right to vote, we now have our third female Prime Minister and we believe we should be aiming to be the first country in the world where women earn 100% equal pay for equal work,” said Doughty.

The 5th annual Equal Pay Awards are open for entries with new categories expanding the campaign for 2018 and a new customised award entry platform which intends to make it easier to enter and also improve the judging process.

Indeed, Strategic Pay have developed a new pay equity tool that will be used for the 2018 Awards that standardises equal pay reporting measures to generate gender pay gap data.

This will also provide entrants with the opportunity to receive a dashboard using these standardised measures for their internal review purposes.

The 2018 awards feature six award categories – five for organisations and one for an individual.

A “Supreme Winner” will be selected from the entrants in the five organisational categories who have provided a full Gender Dashboard including gender pay gap and leadership representation.

The 2018 Equal Pay Awards categories are:

o Innovation - Sponsored by AUT
This award celebrates innovative responses1 to addressing the equal pay gap. These organisations are not afraid to try new things and look outside the box.

o Leadership - Sponsored by SkyCity
This award celebrates organisations who exemplify excellence. These organisations understand the benefits of gender equality and lead the way for others to follow. They are role models who are active in the community and media sharing their stories and inspiring others to follow.

o Progressive - Sponsored by CCAmatil
This award recognises organisations who have demonstrated commitment to Equal Pay and continue to make sustained advances and improvements to address the issue.

o On the Journey - Sponsored by Strategic Pay
This Award recognises a milestone achievement by an organisation, which has just begun to embark on its equal pay journey. Organisations may enter one or more initiative that are no more than two years old and they can relate to any of the organisational Award categories.

o Community - Sponsored by YWCA
This Award recognises an organisation in the ‘profit for purpose’ or ‘not for profit’ sectors. It is widely acknowledged that these organisations have unique pay challenges compared to the private sector and that other NFP organisations are inspired by sharing achievements . Organisations may enter one or more initiative and they can relate to any of the organisational Award categories.

o Champion – Sponsored by Ministry for Women
An organisation or individual can nominate this award to go to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to Equal Pay and gender equality. Someone who has inspired others, shared their story, stood up for what they believe and made a meaningful impact. An individual may also choose to enter on their own accord

Enter now by clicking here.

Recent articles & video

Teacher censured for accessing porn on school-issued laptop

Carpool woes: Worker claims additional pay for driving colleagues to work

'Tougher market' ahead for jobseekers as NZ enters recession

Talent mobility: What’s the most challenging country for remote workers?

Most Read Articles

Employer assigns manager to smaller area – is it constructive dismissal?

Fired over colleagues' opinion?

Employer fined $20,000 for not complying with enforcement order: reports