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​Commission seeks to close the $600k pay gap

Graphic: 600K project logo

The Human Rights Commission is seeking to empower young women to tackle the gender pay gap with the launch of a new project.

The Human Rights Commission is seeking to empower young women to tackle the gender pay gap with the launch of a new project: $600k Gap.

The project, launched with a video and website (www.the600kgap.co.nz), aims to create an environment where women can share their experiences, concerns and advice about common challenges they face within the workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue says that while employers have a lot to answer for when it comes to the causes of the gender pay gap, there is also a need to look at how we can empower young women to improve their outcomes as well.

"Historically women in New Zealand have made great progress, however the fact remains that it's still going to take us an estimated 40 years to close the gender pay gap. That's far too long.

"On average, Kiwi men working fulltime earn $262 more each week than Kiwi women working fulltime. Over a 45-year career, that adds up to over $600,000.

"While unconscious and conscious gender bias in the workplace definitely has a huge impact, there are also a number of important stages and milestones in our lives and careers that contribute to the $600k gap, such as our approach to applying for jobs and our ability to negotiate our pay."

The Commission will use feedback received via the website and through social media to develop a speaker's series, which will address the common concerns facing young women.

"There is a wealth of intelligent and powerful women in New Zealand who can teach our next generations so much, simply by sharing their own experiences," Dr Blue said.

Date: 8 March 2017

Source: New Zealand Human Rights Commission


Image credits

  1. 600K project logo - New Zealand Human Rights Commission