Published on: 2026-09-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 17, 2026 Women
Women worldwide earn on average 18 percent less than men. This was stated on the eve of the International Equal Pay Day, which is observed annually on September 18, by the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert Houngbo, who reminded of the “simple but fundamental principle”: work of equal value deserves equal pay.
“We are talking about millions of women whose work supports families, businesses, communities, and the economy, yet who still do not receive fair compensation,” he reminded. “This must change.”
According to Ungbo, through joint efforts of the government, employers, and workers, structural barriers underlying existing injustice can be eliminated, as well as legislation and institutions promoting equal pay can be strengthened. Through social dialogue, including collective bargaining, they can address the issue of undervaluing women’s work, increase pay transparency, create fairer wage structures, and ensure women have an equal voice in shaping their economic lives.
“The labor sphere is undergoing profound changes, but our principles remain unchanged,” noted Gilbert Ungbo. “Equal pay is a matter of rights, principles, dignity, and social justice—for every worker, wherever they are.”
Eliminating the gender gap
The UN Women structure emphasized that the principle of equal pay for work of equal value remains not only a matter of fairness but also an important condition for economic development. The gender pay gap leads to a decrease in women’s earnings throughout their entire lives, a reduction in pension savings, and an increase in social inequality.
The structure of “UN Women” paid particular attention to the situation of the most vulnerable groups, including migrants, women with disabilities, and representatives of racial and ethnic minorities. For them, the pay gap often turns out to be even more significant.
The organization’s statement notes that in 2026 certain progress was made in advancing the agenda of equal pay. At the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, governments, employers, and worker representatives confirmed their readiness to remove structural barriers that hinder women’s full participation in the labor market.
In the structure of “UN Women,” it was emphasized that closing the gender gap is possible, but decisive measures are needed to ensure a fair assessment of every woman’s work.
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