Denise Daley | Closing the gender pay gap

In Jamaica, women have made remarkable strides in education, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Yet when it comes to economic empowerment, a glaring disparity remains: the gender pay gap. For every dollar that the average Jamaican man earns, the average Jamaican woman earns just 62 cents.

Despite our progress in areas such as schooling and life expectancy, men still earn 54 per cent more than women in gross national income. This disparity is not just a women’s issue. It is a national economic challenge that demands urgent attention.

UNDERSTANDING THE GENDER PAY GAP

The gender pay gap reflects the systemic inequalities that continue to hinder women in the workforce. These inequalities are driven by multiple factors, including occupational segregation, discrimination, and the additional caregiving responsibilities that disproportionately fall on women. Women are overrepresented in lower-paying industries such as domestic work, education, and retail while men dominate higher-paying fields such as technology, finance, and construction.

Even when women attain similar levels of education and experience, they often face barriers to promotions and leadership roles, commonly referred to as the “glass ceiling”. This keeps their earning potential lower than that of their male counterparts. Furthermore, there is the issue of unpaid labour – many women perform household and caregiving duties that are essential to society but remain uncompensated.

Women in business and entrepreneurship also face significant financial barriers. A survey conducted by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) found that 80 per cent of female entrepreneurs reported difficulties in obtaining credit, and 43 per cent had no collateral. This makes it exceedingly difficult for women to expand their businesses, invest in new opportunities, or even access the resources necessary to compete in the market.

Without access to financing, women are locked out of economic mobility. The inability to secure loans or funding perpetuates a cycle where female-owned businesses remain small, informal, and less profitable. Addressing these barriers is crucial if we want to create an economy where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Closing the gender pay gap is not just about fairness – it is about economic growth. Studies have shown that gender equality in the workforce leads to stronger economies, increased productivity, and better development outcomes. When women earn fair wages, they reinvest in their families and communities, driving social and economic progress.

Countries that have actively worked to close the gender pay gap have seen improvements in GDP and business performance. Jamaica stands to benefit tremendously from ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work. If we take the right steps now, we can position our economy for sustainable and inclusive growth.

STRATEGIES FOR CLOSING PAY GAP

The gender pay gap will not close on its own. It requires deliberate policies, corporate responsibility, and cultural shifts. Here are some steps that can be taken to address the issue:

1. Strengthening equal-pay legislation: While Jamaica has anti-discrimination laws, enforcement is often weak. We must strengthen policies that require companies to report pay disparities and take corrective action where needed. Pay transparency should be encouraged so that employees can see how wages are determined and challenge inequities where they exist.

2. Increasing access to credit for women entrepreneurs: The Government and financial institutions must work together to create loan programmes tailored for women entrepreneurs. More flexible collateral requirements, lower interest rates, and mentorship programmes can help women access the funding they need to build sustainable businesses.

3. Encouraging more women in high-paying industries: Efforts must be made to encourage more women to enter traditionally male-dominated fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Scholarships, mentorship, and career-development initiatives should be expanded to break gender stereotypes and open opportunities for women in these lucrative sectors.

4. Supporting work-life balance: Women are often expected to balance careers with caregiving responsibilities. Employers should implement family-friendly policies such as paid maternity leave, paternity leave, and flexible work arrangements. This would not only help women remain in the workforce but also encourage more balanced household responsibilities.

5. Educating employers and employees on gender bias: Many pay disparities are rooted in unconscious bias. Employers should invest in gender sensitivity training to ensure that hiring, promotions, and salary decisions are made fairly. Women should also be encouraged to negotiate salaries and advocate for their worth in the workplace.

Addressing the gender pay gap in Jamaica requires collective action from the Government, businesses, and civil society. We must move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete policies that ensure that every worker is compensated fairly, regardless of gender.

Jamaican women have proven their resilience, talent, and drive. It is time that our economic structures reflect their contributions by ensuring equal pay for equal work. The road ahead requires commitment, but the rewards – a stronger economy, healthier families, and a more just society – are worth the effort.

By closing the gender pay gap, we are not just uplifting women, we are strengthening Jamaica as a whole.

Denise Daley is the opposition spokesperson on gender affairs, persons with disabilities and inclusion. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.