On International Equal Pay Day, Nguvu Change Leaders Mercy Mwende, Deborah Monari, and Synthia Asienwa proposed measures to address Kenya’s gender pay gap.
The 2024 Global Gender Gap Index shows Kenya at 75th place, with women earning significantly less than men. Mercy highlighted the need for better representation and training for women in high-paying STEM fields.
“Women who aspire to pursue these careers, which offer more equitable pay, are often hindered by these misconceptions.
There are also inadequate skill training opportunities, such as internships, as women are frequently denied these opportunities due to their gender,” Mercy Mwende highlighted
Synthia called for improved educational resources and fair teacher compensation to support gender equality in future jobs.
Synthia Asienwa Nguvu change leader
“Equal pay discussions should include advocating for adequate teaching and learning materials in Kenya’s Junior Secondary Schools.
Enhancing educational resources and fair teacher compensation, will promote gender equality in future employment opportunities,” says Synthia.
Deborah emphasized the need for better working conditions and compensation for nurses, a predominantly female profession, to help close the gender pay gap.
“The employment burdens nurses face is crucial to ensuring fair pay and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
This will help resolve the gender pay gap, as nursing is a female-dominated field, and ensuring nurses are not only fairly paid but also supported in their professional growth is essential for equality,” says Deborah.
