The United Nations says that, on average, women around the world still earn nearly 20 percent less than men.

In a statement released this evening (Wednesday, March 10), the organization emphasized that equal work, regardless of gender, deserves equal pay.

This situation also applies to working women in Afghanistan, particularly those employed in local private institutions. Women and girls working in these organizations often receive lower benefits and salaries than men for performing similar work.

Earlier, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said in a report that despite decades of efforts, the wage gap between women and men remains significantly high. The organization stressed that the gap can only be reduced through coordinated actions and targeted policies.

According to the report published on March 4, measures such as stronger laws and institutions, fair wage policies, pay transparency, objective job evaluations, social dialogue, labor inspections, social protection, and care-related policies can help address gender stereotypes and reduce the wage gap.

The ILO also noted that women with children, women working in the informal sector, women with disabilities, and migrant women face even wider wage gaps than other women.