Women still earn 20% less than men globally: UN Women calls for urgent action on equal pay

New York, September 18, 2026: Women worldwide continue to earn, on average, about 20 per cent less than men, with UN Women calling for stronger action to close the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for work of equal value.In a statement marking International Equal Pay Day 2026, observed on September 18, UN Women said the persistent pay gap is neither inevitable nor acceptable, stressing that equal pay is central to women’s economic rights and security.The organisation pointed out that unequal pay affects more than monthly earnings. Lower wages can translate into reduced lifetime income, weaker economic security, smaller pensions and greater inequality between generations.The gap can be even wider for women facing multiple forms of disadvantage, including migrant women, women with disabilities, and women from racial and ethnic minorities, according to UN Women.“Equal pay for work of equal value” is therefore not only a workplace issue but also an important part of efforts to reduce poverty, advance women’s economic justice and build more inclusive economies, the organisation said.

Momentum for stronger protections

UN Women highlighted several developments this year that it said could strengthen protections for women workers.At the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), governments, employers, workers and private-sector leaders renewed commitments to addressing structural barriers affecting women at work.Another significant development came in June with the adoption of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 193, the first international labour standard specifically addressing decent work in the platform economy.UN Women said the convention has the potential to strengthen protections for women working through digital platforms, including against unfair pay, harassment, discrimination and opaque algorithmic decision-making.The growth of platform and digital work has created new employment opportunities, but it has also raised concerns over pay transparency, employment protections and workers’ rights.

Global push for equal pay

UN Women, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are also working through the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) with governments, employers, workers’ organisations and other partners to translate commitments on equal pay into concrete action.The issue comes at a time when economies are facing uncertainty and inequality remains a major concern.UN Women said equal pay should therefore be viewed not only as a question of fairness but also as an issue with wider economic and social consequences, affecting families, economies and societies.As the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, UN Women has reaffirmed women’s economic empowerment as a key priority under its Strategic Plan 2026–2029.The organisation’s message for International Equal Pay Day is clear: closing the gender pay gap is possible, but requires action to ensure that women receive equal pay for work of equal value.