CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -International Equal Pay Day, celebrated on 18 September, represents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. The symbolic day aims at highlighting issues related to the gender pay gap and raising worldwide awareness.

Detailed explanation-2: -12 EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Estonia the Netherlands, Slovakia, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) organise and have organised an Equal Pay Day according to the respective Pay Gap in their country.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) is an international initiative led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Women and others. Its aim is to reduce gender pay gap and make equal pay for work of equal value a reality across all sectors in all countries.

Detailed explanation-4: -In 1976, the Equal Remuneration Act was passed with the aim of providing equal remuneration to men and women workers and to prevent discrimination on the basis of gender in all matters relating to employment and employment opportunities.

Detailed explanation-5: -With a gender pay gap of 11.3%, Equal Pay Day falls on 20th November this year – this is the day in the year when, based on average pay, women overall stop being paid compared to men.