PW NZ says the expanding gender pay gap is theft

Media Release: BPW NZ says the expanding gender pay gap is theft

The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ) challenges the Government to take the step to stop the trend of the widening gender pay gap.

Statistics show that the gender pay gap has widened from 12.85% last year to 14.18% this September quarter.

“It is time the Government and the business sector acknowledged the skills and knowledge that women bring to the company and pay them the same as their male counterparts,” says Carolyn Savage, President BPW NZ.

“Equal pay for work of equal value should be rewarded on the same financial basis which in turn would result in more buying power for women and their families.

“It is a no brainer that if more money was in the pockets of women and their families, then the economy benefits and grows.

Using the statistics released last week, women need to work until the 21st February next year to earn the same as their male counterparts do by year end, December 2012.

“It is time the NZ Government led the way to stop this legalised theft and set the standards to ensure women and men are paid equally for their contribution of skills, times and resources.

“BPW NZ will continue to be a voice for all women of NZ until the time comes when there is no need to speak out against injustice to women,” says Mrs Savage.

ENDS

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