What is the gender pay gap?

"Change doesn’t happen when you sign a pledge or make a commitment; those are words. Change happens when you have conscious leaders who walk the talk and create metrics for accountability. »

Shelley Zallis, Forbes

Understanding a complex issue

The gender pay gap is the difference between average male and female earnings, and can vary depending on many factors including sector, occupation, age and country. Family responsibilities also play a significant role.

In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Statistics estimates that around 60 percent of the gender pay gap can be explained by objective factors like differences in education, training and work experience, occupational gender segregation, part-time vs. full-time work, company size and union presence.

The other 40 percent can’t be explained, and is therefore attributed to direct and/or indirect discrimination. The latter is a result of gender bias, which can lead to unequal opportunities in training or promotions—which ultimately impacts salary.

The EQUAL-SALARY methodology was designed to allow companies around the world, in every field, to address the difference between inequality and discrimination, to ensure all employees are paid equally for the same work.

The Gender Pay Gap…



Among OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, the Republic of Korea has the largest gender pay gap for full-time employees, at 34,6%. 1


While 80 cents on the dollar is the average gap for women in the United States, it varies by race and ethnicity,  according to Equal Pay Today.


Women in the EU earn on average almost 16.2% less per hour than men do, across all economic sectors. 3

Where Does Pay Inequality Exist?

The wage gap around the world

Wage inequality for women and men exists in most countries and industries around the globe. It is an issue in both developing countries and in some of the world’s wealthiest nations. Take a look at how each country stacks up.

No specific law or sanctions relating to gender equality
Overall gender equality law only, or gender pay law without sanctions
Specific gender pay law with sanctions
“The Global Gender Gap Report 2017.” World Economic Forum, World Economic Forum, 2 Nov. 2017, www.weforum.org/reprots/the-global-gender-gap-report-2017.

Who Is Taking a Stand?

Countries and companies are leading by example

Several countries have equal pay legislation, although enforcing it can be complex.

Today, more and more countries are taking steps to encourage or legally mandate companies to take action towards equal pay. And several world leaders and other prominent figures are speaking out as influential advocates for equal pay.

Several high-profile companies and organizations have also taken the lead in committing to pay their female and male employees fairly by getting EQUAL-SALARY certified.

Let’s talk equal pay

Open Letter from Véronique Goy Veenhuys


Read More


Read More


Read More

Join the conversation