The gender pay gap remains a persistent issue in the workforce, highlighted at the recent What Women Want Summit in Nairobi. A key discussion revolved around the disparity where women earn significantly less than men for comparable work. Specifically, statistics indicate that women in Kenya earn Sh27 less for every Sh100 earned by a man.

Attendees like Faith* emphasized the importance of equal pay as a cornerstone of women's emancipation. The sentiment shared was that financial independence is crucial for women to fully realize their potential and cover their expenses. Historically, men have had a significant advantage in wealth accumulation, and women are now striving to close this gap.

The call to action is not just about earning, but about being compensated fairly for the work done. There is a growing demand for equitable remuneration, challenging the notion that men should inherently earn more than women when performing the same tasks and holding equivalent responsibilities.

The discussion further underscored the need to address systemic inequalities and biases that contribute to the pay gap. Factors such as career choices, negotiation skills, and workplace discrimination were identified as potential areas of influence. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for achieving true gender equality in the economic sphere.

The Standard INSiDER provides continued coverage of this evolving issue, offering in-depth analysis and investigative journalism focused on accountability and social progress.