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4A. EQUAL PAY AND GENDER PAY GAPS
27 Eurostat (2022), 'Gender pay gap in the EU down to 13.0% ', available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/ products-eurostat-news/-/edn-20220307-2
Despite equal pay legislation in almost all European member states, the persistent wage gap across Europe27 gives women less purchasing power and independence than men. The causes behind this wage gap include labour market segregation, meaning that women and men tend to work in different sectors that are paid differently, creating differences in earning potential, and lower levels of participation due to breaks for motherhood and women working reduced hours in order to take over care duties for children or the elderly.
A career break and thus being paid less while on leave is often followed by taking a step back on the career ladder and struggling to get into senior positions. Known as the glass ceiling phenomenon, this pattern perpetuates unequal pay and women s underrepresentation in high-level jobs. However, motherhood is not the only cause of unequal pay. Women who are not mothers are also paid less and struggle to reach management positions. Cities committed to equality can work to minimise their internal pay gap. They can also incentivise other employers in the city to do the same, for instance through information campaigns, procurement and supply chains.
Gender pay gap © Eurostat (2022)
