An awareness observance raising awareness of the gender pay gap, illustrating how far into the new year women must work to earn what men earned the prior year, and promoting equal pay for equal work.
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the
Holiday Calendar Team
The National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) originated the observance in 1996 as National Pay Inequity Awareness Day, renamed Equal Pay Day in 1998. The date symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year, and U.S. Presidents have since officially proclaimed the day.
March 15 is Equal Pay Day, a powerful reminder of the gender pay gap and an opportunity to promote equal pay for all. This day was first launched in 1996 by the National Committee on Pay Equity as a way to raise awareness about the wage disparities between men and women. In 2021, the gender wage gap still persists across many industries, with women making only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. Equal Pay Day is a great chance to stand up for fairness and work towards closing this gap once and for all!
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WHY THIS DAY MATTERS
Raising awareness about wage disparities is critical in order to create meaningful change. Events like Equal Pay Day offer an opportunity to draw attention to this issue so that we can further understand how much progress has been made in reducing gender-based pay gaps - and how much farther there is yet to go.
Whether within the same job or across an entire industry, unequal pay for equal work is not only unfair to the individuals receiving unequal compensation, but it perpetuates systemic gender biases that can have real world consequences. Equal pay day serves an important reminder that all workers should be paid fairly for their labor.
Gender-based wage gaps contribute significantly to poverty and wealth inequality in America. Equal Pay Day shines a light on these disparities in order to drive conversations around policy initiatives and practices that can help close the gap and reduce economic inequality between men and women.
Stand up for equal pay - join us on International Equal Pay Day to fight for fair wages and gender equality!
Today is AAPI Women's Equal Pay Day - let's work towards closing the gender pay gap and uplifting the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander women!
National Black Women's Equal Pay Day - It's time to close the wage gap and honor the economic power and contributions of black women!
Let's work towards equal opportunities and fair treatment for all on International Parity at Work Day. Together, we can create a more inclusive workplace!
