Since 2010, Spain has marked February 22 as “Equal Pay Day,” an emblematic date that seeks to remember and make visible the persistent disparity in wages between men and women in the country.
Annual statistics show an undeniable reality: women continue to earn less than men. This structural inequality is attributed to a series of complex factors, such as direct and indirect discrimination, the undervaluation of women’s work, occupational segregation, the low presence of women in high-responsibility positions, and the unequal allocation of salary supplements.
Despite the progress made in the last five years, reflected in a significant increase in the number of women in employment and a reduction in the wage gap, considerable challenges remain. The most recent data from the Annual Salary Structure Survey for 2021 reveal that the wage gap between women and men is 18.36% annually, although it has experienced a notable reduction in the last decade. This phenomenon affects practically all sections of activity, with a considerable number of women receiving wages below the Interprofessional Minimum Wage and working part-time due to caring responsibilities.
Economic inequality throughout life is alarmingly reflected in retirement pensions, where the gender gap reaches a worrying 33.75%.
In conclusion, Equal Pay Day in Spain represents both a moment of reflection on the progress achieved and a reminder of the challenges still to come. It is imperative to continue working towards a society where gender equality in salaries and in all spheres of work is a palpable reality and not a distant aspiration.
Source: Ministry of Equality