Women earn less than men. The wage gap is called the gender pay gap. The gender pay gap is calculated by comparing the average gross hourly wage of women and men. The percentage share is calculated worldwide. In the Global Gender Gap Report, the World Economic Forum annually compares income differences in 150 countries.
The difference in earnings can be explained by structural causes: Women are more likely to work in lower-paid professions and industries. Although their level of qualification is often higher, they are less likely to reach management positions. Many working women work part-time. The reason for the reduced working hours is usually to look after children or relatives in need of care.
To draw attention to the lack of equal pay, Equal Pay Day is celebrated every year as an international day of action. The date is determined by how many days women work "for free".
Source: Friedrich Ebert Foundation, 2025, https://www.fes.de/wissen/gender-glossar