World YWCA Statement of Support of YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand on Dismantling of Pay Equity Legislation
World YWCA stands in solidarity with the YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand’s condemnation of their Government’s decision to dismantle pay equity legislation. For 170 years, YWCAs worldwide have addressed the issue of women making less per dollar for every dollar men earn. The wage gap between women and men is an everlasting reality of gender inequality.
At the 61st Commission on the Status of Women, many complexities of the issue were well stated: “This stubborn inequality in the average wages between men and women persists in all countries and across all sectors, because women’s work is undervalued and women tend to be concentrated in different jobs than men. Even though the work itself may require equal or more effort and skills, it’s valued and remunerated less. For women of colour, immigrant women, and mothers, the gap widens. The so-called “motherhood penalty” pushes women into informal economy, casual and part-time work, and tends to be larger in developing countries than in developed countries.”
World YWCA echoes the board of the YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand in noting that the recent repeal of core provisions of Aotearoa’s pay equity legislation is more than a policy change. It is a rollback of progress, a dismissal of lived realities, and a direct attack on the future of young women and gender-diverse people across the country.
World YWCA calls for solidarity and support of the local and national leadership of YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand’s efforts, including:
- A statement on the equal pay law changes by YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand: https://www.ywca.org.nz/our-stories/ywca-anz-the-price-of-inequality-why-repealing-pay-equity-laws-is-a-direct-attack-on-young-women-in-aotearoa/
- A statement on the equal pay law changes by young women leaders of YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand: https://www.ywca.org.nz/our-stories/ywca-aotearoa-new-zealand-statement-on-equal-pay-law-changes/
Since a formal resolution by the World YWCA Council in 1959, the global YWCA movement has supported the principle of equal remuneration for all people for work of equal value. This principle is key to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8, especially full employment and decent work with equal pay, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
For further information:
Communications & Engagement – YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand National Board : info@ywca.org.nz