Pay equity has been in the news a bit recently. The topic can feel a little counterintuitive to some when women are graduating university in greater numbers than men, are equally represented in the workforce and are excelling more than ever before.
But it's undeniable that on average women are paid less than men. This isn't just due to a skew towards women in some lower-paid, unskilled professions. Even in a like-for-like situation, statistics show a woman will, on average, be earning 13 per cent less than a man in the same role with the same experience and capabilities*.
The problem with statistics is they are everywhere, and no one knows quite what to do to make things better.
But there are crusaders out there. YWCA Auckland is doing a great job of raising awareness of this issue and highlighting organisations making progress in addressing these gaps, through the YWCA Equal Pay Awards.
The great thing about working in NZ, even in our largest companies, is the opportunity to stretch, to give things a go. If you're good enough, you'll be well rewarded - and part of that should mean being paid what you're worth, but this isn't the reality.
