Did you know there is a salary disparity between men and women with the same qualifications? This is what we call the “Gender Pay Gap”. Let’s explore what it is and why women with similar qualifications earn less than men in comparable roles.
According to a study by the OECD, there is about a 15% difference in hourly earnings between similarly qualified men and women across 25 European countries, including Turkey. This gap is even more pronounced among women in managerial roles. It not only perpetuates inequality but also plays a significant role in limiting economic growth by preventing women from reaching their full potential in the workforce.
Several key factors contribute to this gap:
1. Women often prioritise benefits other than salary, such as part-time work, short commutes, remote work, or flexible hours. This is particularly important for women with greater family responsibilities, like mothers, who consider these advantages a priority when seeking employment.
2. Career interruptions can make it more challenging for women to gain work experience. Maternity leave is a primary cause of such interruptions, often results in women taking longer breaks from work, whereas men typically do not experience the same level of interruption.
3. Women face both conscious and unconscious biases. These biases may include the incorrect assumptions that women are less productive than men or that they will take more parental leave. As a result, employers may be less willing to offer women the same career advancement opportunities as men.
4. Female-dominated sectors generally offer lower earnings compared to male-dominated sectors. These “career choices” can be influenced by societal or cultural norms and pressures. For example, teachers might assume girls have lower maths skills compared to boys, steering women away from STEM fields.
5. Due to the aforementioned reasons, women tend to take lower-paying jobs more frequently. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other research institutions, women constitute the majority of workers in low-paying jobs in the US.
6. Women spend 30% more time on what can be described as “unpaid work” such as housework and childcare compared to men. This leaves them with less time and energy to focus on their careers.
Have you observed or experienced this disparity? Your thoughts comments on the factors contributing to this gap are welcome, let’s discuss!
Sources: World Economic Forum, DİSK-AR, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and OECD Economic Department Working Papers.
