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A history of equal pay: a timeline of key milestones

The journey to equal pay has been a long and arduous one – and there is still progress to be made. As we approach International Women's Day 2025, it's crucial for HR and business leaders to reflect on the significant milestones in the fight for gender equality and equal pay.

Understanding the historical context and progress made over the years can help organisations recognise the importance of continuing to advocate for fair and equitable workplaces.

This timeline features key events and landmark legislation changes that have shaped the journey towards equal pay. By being aware of these milestones, leaders can better appreciate the strides made and the remaining hurdles that still stand in our way to achieving true gender parity in the workplace.

After all, fair pay is not just a legal requirement, but a right – and a business imperative.

Equal pay timeline – legislation throughout the years:

1957 – Treaty of Rome (EU)

Established the principle of equal pay for equal work as a fundamental right in the European Economic Community (EEC), which later became the European Union.

1963 – Equal Pay Act (USA)

The U.S. Equal Pay Act was signed into law, making it illegal for employers to pay women less than men for the same job.

1970 – Equal Pay Act (UK)

The UK Equal Pay Act was introduced after strikes by women workers at Ford Dagenham in 1968. It mandated equal pay for equal work.

1975 – UN’s International Women’s Year & First Equal Pay Day

The United Nations designated 1975 as International Women’s Year, highlighting gender equality, including equal pay. Iceland passed its first equal pay law, making it one of the most progressive countries on gender pay equality.

1976 – EU’s Equal Pay Directive

The European Economic Community (EEC) adopted a directive requiring member states to implement equal pay laws.

1983 – Australia’s Equal Pay Case

The Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission ruled that equal pay must apply across all industries, strengthening gender pay rights.

1999 – World Bank Report on Gender Pay Gap

The World Bank published a landmark report showing that gender pay gaps persist worldwide and that economic growth benefits from gender equality.

2006 – UN Women’s Pay Equity Toolkit

UN Women launched a toolkit to help countries and businesses measure and address the gender pay gap.

2010 – UK Equality Act

The Equality Act (UK) replaced the Equal Pay Act and required companies to ensure fair pay and protect against workplace discrimination.

2017 – Iceland Becomes First Country to Enforce Equal Pay

Iceland became the first country to make equal pay mandatory by requiring companies to prove they pay men and women equally or face fines.

2018 – Gender Pay Gap Reporting Becomes Mandatory in the UK

Large UK companies (250+ employees) were required to report their gender pay gaps annually.

2023 – EU Pay Transparency Directive

The European Union adopted new pay transparency rules, requiring companies to disclose gender pay gaps and allowing employees to demand salary information.

2025

25th March 2025 - Equal Pay Day (USA)

Equal Pay Day marks the current state of the gender pay gap for women, symbolising how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.

4th June 2025 - Moms' Equal Pay Day (US)

This day marks the additional time working mothers must work to earn what fathers earned in the previous year.

3rd August 2025 - Black Women's Equal Pay Day (US)

This day marks how far into the year Black women must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men earned in the previous year.

18th September 2025 – International Equal Pay Day

This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to close the gender pay gap and achieve equal pay for all.

8th October 2025 - Latina Equal Pay Day

This day symbolises the additional time Latina women must work to earn the same amount as white, non-Hispanic men earned in the previous year.

November 20th 2025 – Equal Pay Day (UK)

Equal Pay Day in the UK symbolises the point in the year when women, on average, stop earning relative to men due to the gender pay gap.

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While acts and legislation have paved the way to some progress to equal pay, there is still a gap that we must seek to close. Equal pay is a fundamental principle of fairness and an important step towards inclusive and equitable workplaces.

It’s important to acknowledge the milestones that brought us here, but policymakers, employers and individuals must continue to drive forward towards pay transparency, equity and fairness.

FAIRER Consulting is a specialist in helping businesses develop diversity and inclusion strategies that embed fair principles into the fabric of your business. Our 'Developing a DEI strategy' programme offers tailored advice, depending on the needs of your organisation. Alternatively, book a one-to-one consultation with one of our DEI experts.

Berman Zhigalko

Berman is a consultant at FAIRER Consulting, a part of DE&I Advisory Services at Hays International. He is an experienced professional in diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as talent advisory. Currently, Berman supports various clients across the private sector and is exploring new ways to embed DE&I into various processes within organisations.

Alice MacDonaldFeb 19, 2025 4:55:51 PM7 min read

A history of equal pay: a timeline of key milestones

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Equal pay timeline – legislation throughout the years:

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Berman Zhigalko

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