by Judith McLaughlin
Celebrated on March 8 each year, International Women’s Day celebrates women and their contributions to society. In 2025, the International Women’s Day theme was Accelerate Action, or “the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.”
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recently hosted an essay contest, asking students to write about women they know who value and inspire inclusion. Students wrote about mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, coworkers, teachers and more. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, all of these women have inspired and empowered those around them. This essay was selected for publication in The Penmen Review.
Women’s equality is a fundamental right and a crucial component of creating a just and equitable society. Yet, one glaring disparity persists globally: the gender pay gap. Women, on average, earn less than men for performing the same work, a discrepancy influenced by systemic biases, cultural norms, and unequal opportunities. A single, universal action that could accelerate women’s equality would be the implementation and enforcement of comprehensive equal pay legislation. This initiative, when combined with practical measures to ensure compliance and transparency, holds the potential to transform gender equality on both individual and collective levels.
Direct Impact on Women’s Equality
The most immediate and significant impact of equal pay legislation is financial empowerment. When women earn fair wages, they gain greater economic independence, which reduces vulnerability to poverty and financial instability. Closing the gender pay gap also ensures that women’s contributions to the workforce are valued equally, challenging the stereotypes that devalue their labor. Furthermore, equal pay improves access to opportunities such as education, healthcare, and retirement savings, allowing women to thrive both personally and professionally.
The ripple effects extend beyond individual women to their families. Women in many households serve as primary or co-breadwinners. Ensuring they are paid equitably strengthens household income, alleviates financial stress, and provides better opportunities for children. Additionally, fair wages bolster women’s participation in the economy, fueling overall economic growth—a benefit for society at large.
Collective Impact on Society
On a collective scale, equal pay legislation can shift societal norms and dismantle systemic barriers. When governments and industries commit to wage transparency and equity, it sets a precedent for inclusivity and fairness across all sectors. This fosters workplace environments where women feel valued and respected, encouraging greater participation in leadership roles and traditionally male-dominated fields.
Closing the pay gap also contributes to reducing poverty rates globally, as women make up a disproportionate percentage of low-wage workers. Studies suggest that achieving pay equity could significantly boost global GDP by trillions of dollars. The collective impact of economic empowerment for women transcends financial metrics, paving the way for societal progress, innovation, and sustainable development.
Practical Implementation Examples
1. Mandatory Wage Transparency: Governments can require companies to disclose salary ranges and conduct regular pay audits to identify and address discrepancies. For example, Iceland mandates equal pay certifications for companies, ensuring compliance with pay equity laws.
2. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Legislation should include penalties for companies that fail to address pay disparities. For instance, the United Kingdom enforces fines for organizations that neglect to report gender pay gap data.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments and NGOs can launch campaigns to educate employers and employees about the importance of pay equity. These initiatives can highlight best practices, celebrate organizations that champion equality, and encourage others to follow suit.
4. Support for Caregiving Roles: Recognizing the unpaid caregiving burden that disproportionately falls on women, policies could include paid family leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work arrangements. These measures address one of the root causes of pay inequality by enabling women to balance career and caregiving responsibilities more effectively.
Conclusion
Equal pay legislation is a powerful, universal action that can accelerate women’s equality on multiple fronts. By addressing the economic disparities that perpetuate gender inequality, this measure ensures that women receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. When implemented effectively, equal pay laws not only empower women but also foster collective societal growth. Achieving wage equity requires collaboration among governments, industries, and individuals, emphasizing the truth that accelerating women’s equality is not a solitary pursuit—it is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone.
Category: Competition, Featured, Nonfiction, SNHU Student