International Equal Pay Day: Renewing the Call for Equal Pay in Jordan

Amman, Jordan (ILO News) – On the occasion of International Equal Pay Day, observed annually on September 18, the ILO, under the "Equality@Work" project supported by the Government of Norway, and in collaboration with the National Committee for Pay Equity (NCPE) and its social partners, launched a national social media campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.

As part of efforts to close the gender pay gap, the campaign highlights the critical need to prioritize pay equity, which directly contributes to economic and social well-being. Achieving pay equity is a core element of the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 8.5). At the current pace, it could take up to 257 years to fully close the global gender pay gap.

The campaign addresses several key concepts related to pay equity and the significant challenges women continue to face in Jordan's labour market, including the persistent pay gap and unequal opportunities. It calls on employers to take proactive steps to close the pay gap by adopting policies that ensure gender equality and equal opportunities in the workplace.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Labour Farouq Al-Hadidi remarked: "The Jordanian government, in line with royal directives and represented by the MoL, is committed to increasing women’s economic participation and empowering them by fostering a work environment that promotes gender equality and offers legal protection. This commitment aligns with International Labour Standards, including ILO Convention No. 100 on equal pay for work of equal value and Convention No. 111 on discrimination in employment and occupation. The NCPE, established in 2011, remains focused on closing the gender pay gap in Jordan."

Secretary-General Al-Hadidi added: "Recent amendments to Jordan’s Labour Law, such as those introduced in 2019, explicitly address gender pay discrimination in the private sector. The principle of pay equity is now embedded in the law through Articles 2, 53, and 54/a, with increased penalties under Article 53 for employers found guilty of pay discrimination."

ILO Country Coordinator in Jordan Amal Mowafy emphasized the significance of this day, stating: “On International Equal Pay Day, we highlight the crucial importance of conducting gender-neutral, objective job evaluations to achieve pay equity. This evaluation is based on clear and sufficient factors, including qualifications, responsibilities, required effort, and working conditions. By doing so, we ensure fair wage determination and contribute to closing the gender pay gap”.

Secretary General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women Maha Ali stated: "I value the efforts of the National Committee for Pay Equity and its critical role in promoting a supportive work environment for women, ensuring gender pay equity in line with relevant legislation and the National Strategy for Women, which aims to empower women and enhance their role in achieving sustainable national development."

Ambassador of Norway to JordanEspen Lindbæk expressed his support: "On International Equal Pay Day, I stand firmly for equal pay for work of equal value. Norway is proud to support ILO’s efforts towards equal pay in Jordan through the project Equality at Work. Let’s push forward together to bridge the gender pay gap and ensure fairness in every paycheck."

President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions Khaled Al-Fanatsah stated: "The General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions reaffirms the importance of defending workers' rights and improving their working conditions. We do our best to achieve pay equity and enforce the minimum wage to ensure a dignified life for all workers."

President of the Amman Chamber of Industry Fathi Jaghbir emphasized: "Equal pay is not only a matter of rights, but a foundation for a fair, just, and safe work environment, enhancing the capabilities and productivity of the workforce. It is also an investment in a more sustainable future that we, as employers, are committed to ensuring."

ILO Decent Work for Women Programme manager Reem Aslan stated: "Countries like Jordan have committed to closing the gender pay gap by ratifying ILO Convention No. 100 and Convention No. 111. According to ILO studies, the gender pay gap in Arab countries stands at 67.5%. We encourage Arab countries to join the Equal Pay International Coalition, where they can benefit from proven good practices."

Aslan added: "Jordan is a leading example in the region. It was the first Arab state to join the Equal Pay International Coalition in 2017, launching the coalition in the Arab region in 2019. Jordan’s commitment is reflected in the establishment of the NCPE in 2011, co-chaired by the MoL and the JNCW, with active participation from employers, workers, and civil society."

This campaign builds on Jordan's national efforts to promote pay equity, supported by the ILO and the Government of Norway, which have resulted in significant achievements at both the legislative and institutional levels, advancing workers’ rights in the country.