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25% Think There's 'A Great Deal' Of Gender Inequality

Equal pay for equal work was suggested as one change to help achieve gender equality in Jersey.

A quarter of people in Jersey who took part in a survey think there is 'a great deal' of gender inequality here.

48% think there is gender inequality 'to some extent.'

7 in 10 agreed that it's a problem, though more women and those aged under 40 were more likely to say so.

An online survey answered by more than 500 islanders suggests closing the gender pay gap, addressing violence and sexual harassment and equal opportunities in the workplace are the top actions needed to achieve gender equality. 

13% of men said no inequality exists here at all - compared to 3% of women.  More than a third of under 40s felt it was a big problem, in contrast to 17% of pensioners.

Asked what particular changes should be made to address inequity, suggestions included equal representation in politics and top jobs and equal pay for equal work.

Other suggestions included education from primary school to promote equality, tackling period poverty, and all organisations reporting on the gender pay gap.

"Gender equality remains a controversial topic and the results from this survey highlight wide-ranging views on the perceived amount of gender inequality, what needs to be done, and the role for positive action. 

"Across the islands, a notable proportion of residents believe workplace practices surrounding equal pay, parental leave and flexible working, and legislative reforms to offer more protection are key areas that need addressed. The influence of education in challenging gender roles and stereotypes in schools and workplaces was also highlighted. Over half saw a role for policies and initiatives to promote gender equality, but with limits – in their comments many argued against the use of quotas." - Island Global Research.

Deputy Louise Doublet, who chairs a panel looking at the gender pay gap, has called on more companies to publish their figures.

She says it's an important step towards tackling inequality in Jersey. 

The government revealed last month that women working for them earned an average of 24.3% less than men, compared to 18.3% in 2019.

The Social Security Minister said in March that she needed to gather a lot more information locally before deciding whether to make period products free to all in Jersey.

It followed a survey asking for Jersey to follow the lead of Scotland in this area.

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