Cyprus Ranks 7th in the EU in the Gender Pay Gap
Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance Highlights Progress and Future Goals
Cyprus ranks 7th in the EU in terms of the gender pay gap percentage, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance. This announcement was made in light of the European Equal Pay Day.
In a statement emphasizing the importance of equal pay for equal work, the Ministry noted that Cyprus's gender pay gap currently stands at 9.7%, as per the latest 2021 data, compared to the EU average of 12.7%.
The Ministry stated that significant progress has been made over time, with a 35% reduction in the last decade. However, it remains committed to completely eradicating the gap. The Ministry calls on everyone, including employers, employees, trade and employer organizations, and society at large, to contribute towards this goal, with the aim of firmly establishing pay equality.
Increased awareness about wages is expected to empower workers to claim their right to equal pay, and for employers and social partners to take appropriate action to ensure the implementation of this right.
The Ministry acknowledged that the gender pay gap is a complex issue that has been a focus for the European Union. It is not only a deficit of social justice but also hinders economic development, limits the full utilization of female labor, and contributes to a pension gap, putting women at greater risk of poverty. The Ministry added that while progress has been steady, it has been slow.
A positive and recent development at the European level, according to the Ministry, was the adoption in May 2023 of the Directive for 'strengthening the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women for equal work or work of equal value, through wage transparency and enforcement mechanisms.' This Directive aims to enhance wage transparency from the start of employment, expected to further efforts to reduce the wage gap.
The Ministry of Labor states that, in full alignment with the European Union, it sets priorities and directs its interventions towards actions that will enhance wage transparency, as transparency seems key to achieving further progress.
