Close the gap! The cost of inequality in women’s work
Sex discrimination at work costs women in poor countries $9 trillion each year – more than the combined GDPs of Britain, France and Germany. This huge inequality exists because women get paid less than men – what is known as the ‘gender pay gap’ – and do not enjoy the same rates of employment: the ‘gender employment gap’. All over the world, women’s work contributes to growth, sustainable development, and the health and wellbeing of society. Yet by virtually every measure women remain more economically excluded than men. Women’s work is undervalued and for the most part invisible. The briefing calls on governments, international institutions and businesses to take action to create the conditions that are needed to give women in developing countries the chances that they deserve in and at work. Steps include ensuring that women can access safe, decent work opportunities and the essential caring work they do is recognised, shared and better supported.
