Artigenda
Equal Pay Day The Netherlands
When: Annually, November 14.
As 87% of the year passes on 14 November, it is Equal Pay Day Netherlands. The day ties in with European Equal Pay Day, which takes place on 15 November.
Gender/gender identity
This day is dedicated to the wage gap based on gender/gender identity. This wage gap exists and causes dissatisfaction. The wage gap is maintained thanks to all kinds of excuses. Despite promises, this gap may have narrowed in recent years, but it still exists. Hence, a day like this is desperately needed.
The day is very confrontational for some and leads to sometimes heated reactions. Some think that it is all nonsense, while others say it is badly needed.
Necessity
Many believe that the day is a necessity. Improvement has been visible in recent years, but not enough. There are still so many things to improve, and in this regard, a big role is played by a change in men’s attitudes. Putting the ‘blame’ on women is nonsense. The fact that they work less due to circumstances (caring for family, for example) is something created by gender roles. Maintaining these gender roles ensures that all this will remain so. Besides: it is also not because of women’s ‘toughness’ or perceived lack of it when it comes to negotiating. Nor is it because of taking or accepting opportunities.
Mentality change
What it does come down to is that a change in mentality will have to take place. One where women and men have to work together. Not only that. More than that needs to be considered. Consider origin, age and gender identity. Let us especially not forget the latter. How much discrimination is there among trans women and what are their chances in the labour market?
More information
The information is based on the Netherlands, as this is a Dutch version of Equal Pay Day. Hence, the referring links end up at websites that are intended for Dutch visitors. De uitzondering is die van de Europese Unie.
