Persistent inequalities for women in the job market

In the complex world of work, the status of women is of significant concern, highlighting ongoing challenges like pay differences and structural hurdles. A thorough analysis of the data shows that symbolically women began working without compensation at 11:25 am on November 6. This underscores a 15.4% average wage gap with men, according to the feminist newsletter Les Glorieuses.

Wage inequalities still very much alive

Despite a slight improvement from the previous year, the lingering wage gap remains a cause for concern. The eight years of computations to come up with this symbolic date highlight a troubling stagnation, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to foster gender equality on the job market.

A study by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies

A comprehensive examination of the data conducted by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) reveals a concerning reality: the wage gap between women and men can exceed 25% for equivalent hours worked.

This discrepancy is partly attributed to the high rate of part-time work among women, more than 25%, compared to just 7.5% among men.

Structural hurdles

In some countries, like France, trade unions have expressed disapproval of the lack of progress in addressing the gender pay gap. They highlight structural obstacles, such as the “glass ceiling,” hindering women’s access to management positions. The CFDT stresses that low wages in highly feminized professions contribute significantly to inequalities.While there is some progress, these professions are still often associated with job insecurity, involuntary part-time work, and low pay, contributing to enduring pay disparities between the genders.

How do we overcome these disparities?

In response to these challenges, solutions have been put forth to alleviate disparities. Overhauling paternity and parental leave is suggested as one solution for a more egalitarian approach. Les Glorieuses proposes raising salaries in female-dominated professions and advocates making access to public contracts conditional on equal pay to influence public policy in favor of equity.

Significant progress has been made

Despite persistent challenges, there have been notable advances in terms of pay transparency as women are now allowed to request the pay slips of their male colleagues. A European directive, aimed at ensuring employer transparency in the EU to guarantee pay equality, has also been adopted.

Focus on European Directive 2023/970

A European directive, 2023/970, published on May 17, 2023, in the Official Journal of the European Union, strengthens equal pay for men and women through transparency and reinforced enforcement mechanisms. It exhaustively defines remuneration, introduces the right to transparency before hiring, requires disclosure of remuneration criteria, and mandates reporting obligations on the pay gap. The directive provides for a right to compensation in case of violation, with a reversal of the burden of proof. National equal treatment bodies will be established, and transposition into national law is required by June 7, 2026.

Achieving equal pay requires coordinated efforts to eliminate structural obstacles for women in the labor market. As society evolves, it is crucial to recognize and value women’s work, creating a fair and inclusive labor market for all!