International Equal Pay Day 2025

On September 18, 2025, communities around the world will mark International Equal Pay Day – a day dedicated to the ongoing fight for equal pay for work of equal value. Despite decades of progress, women globally still earn less than men, and the gap is even wider for women of color, disabled women, and mothers. This observance is a call to action: to challenge pay discrimination, demand transparency, and build a fairer future for all workers.

What is International Equal Pay Day?

International Equal Pay Day is a United Nations observance established to highlight the persistent gender pay gap and to promote efforts toward achieving equal pay for work of equal value. The day brings together governments, employers, workers, and civil society to recognize the importance of closing the wage gap and ensuring that everyone receives fair compensation for their labor.

When is International Equal Pay Day?

International Equal Pay Day is observed annually on September 18. In 2025, it falls on a Thursday. The date was chosen to emphasize the ongoing struggle for pay equity and to encourage individuals and organizations to take meaningful actions toward closing the gender pay gap.

Why International Equal Pay Day Matters

The gender pay gap is a global issue that affects individuals, families, and economies. Women earn, on average, 77 cents for every dollar earned by men for work of equal value, with even wider disparities for women with children and women of color. This wage gap contributes to lifelong income inequality, affecting women’s ability to save for retirement, invest in education, and achieve financial independence. Addressing pay inequality is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for economic growth and social justice.

How to Get Involved in International Equal Pay Day

There are several ways individuals and organizations can participate in International Equal Pay Day:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the gender pay gap and its impact on different communities. Share information with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness.
• Advocate for Pay Transparency: Encourage employers to conduct pay audits and implement transparent salary practices to identify and address wage disparities.
• Support Equal Pay Legislation: Engage with policymakers to support laws and policies that promote equal pay for work of equal value.
• Participate in Events: Attend workshops, webinars, and discussions focused on pay equity and gender equality in the workplace.
• Use Social Media: Share stories, statistics, and resources using campaign hashtags to amplify the message and encourage broader participation.

History of International Equal Pay Day

International Equal Pay Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2019, with the first observance taking place in 2020. The day builds upon decades of advocacy for gender pay equity, including significant milestones such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 in the United States and the Equal Pay Act of 1970 in the United Kingdom. These legislative efforts were driven by grassroots movements and landmark events, such as the 1975 women’s strike in Iceland, where 90% of women stopped working to protest wage inequality, leading to significant policy changes in the country.

Noteworthy Facts About International Equal Pay Day

• Women globally earn approximately 77% of what men earn for work of equal value, with even wider gaps for women with children and women of color.
• The gender pay gap contributes to lifelong income inequality, affecting women’s ability to save for retirement and achieve financial independence.
• International Equal Pay Day was first observed in 2020, following its recognition by the United Nations in 2019.
• In 1975, 90% of Icelandic women went on strike to protest wage inequality, leading to significant policy changes in the country.
• Organizations like the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) work globally to promote pay equity and support efforts to close the gender pay gap.

Hashtags

#InternationalEqualPayDay, #EqualPayDay2025, #EqualPayForEqualWork, #CloseTheGap, #PayEquity

Links

• Visit the official UN Equal Pay Day page
• Equal Pay International Coalition – UN Declaration
• Includability – International Equal Pay Day 2025