Step towards a fairer Wales where all women can achieve and prosper. Join us on our July fundraising challenge #StepsToGenderEquality.
In 1968 the Dagenham sewing machinists walked out for equal recognition. The women, who stitched the materials needed for Ford’s van and car seats, were classified within the company pay structure as grade B. That meant they were officially unskilled, despite having to pass tests in order to gain their employment. Their fight was to be acknowledged as a skilled grade C worker and for their pay to be recognised as such.
Their walk out (two years before the introduction of the Equal Pay Act) and the subsequent years of women fighting for equal recognition has inspired us to walk, to step and to highlight that inequality in the workplace is still an issue. Our step challenge - #StepsToGenderEquality - means that together we can step towards closing the gender pay gap by fundraising in our #StepsToGenderEquality challenge.
Gender pay gap in Wales
The gender pay gap in Wales currently stands at 15%, providing an indication of the inequality within our labour market. Behind this figure we see a variety of unequal outcomes for women; who continue to be less likely to be employed, more likely to be out of paid work as a result of caring responsibilities and more likely to work in part-time, low paid roles.
At Chwarae Teg we know that gender inequality in the economy is not inevitable. We can achieve a Wales where all women can fully access, and participate in the labour market, and their balance of work and care is based on genuine choice. Wales can and should be a nation where our economy supports everyone to thrive, where racism, sexism and discrimination are a thing of the past and where work provides the necessary financial security to eradicate poverty and inequality.
Support us in our work to highlight these inequalities and to ensure that all women in Wales are able to prosper.
How can you take part?
Step out, walk, set yourself a step challenge (we’d suggest a daily target) and ask your friends and family to sponsor you.
- Go to Chwarae Teg’s Virgin Money Giving The pledge is £10 to register your commitment.
- From here you can set up a sponsorship page within Virgin Money Giving.
- When you have registered, we will send you a joining pack full of information, advice and things to share on social media where you can highlight gender inequality that’s close to your heart.
- Log your steps through your smartwatch, phone or other walking / step app.
- Share your steps with us via social media #StepsToGenderEquality #ChwaraeTeg and be part of the leader board!
Walking can be fun, a time for contemplation, it’s good for us physically and it’s good for our wellbeing too. Enjoy being outside; you can find new routes and do some exploring whilst getting your steps up and highlighting that gender inequality is real, it affects women’s lives but It’s by no means inevitable here in Wales.
Do you have questions? Email Claire, Yasmin and Sarah at [email protected]. We couldn’t do our valuable work without your support, thank you!
https://bit.ly/StepsToGenderEquality