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International Equal Pay Day

Stand up for equal pay - join us on International Equal Pay Day to fight for fair wages and gender equality!

Friday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 18

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate International Equal Pay Day on September 18 and recognize the importance of equal pay for all genders! This day first began in 1996 when it was created to highlight the gender wage gap that exists between men and women. Though we still have a long way to go, this day has helped raise awareness about this issue and continues to motivate individuals around the world to fight for their rights.

TIMELINE

International Equal Pay Day Timeline

Women's First Strike for Equality

Over 20,000 women garment workers went on strike in New York City, demanding better pay and working conditions, marking a significant event in the history of women's fight for equal pay.

Equal Pay Act Signed

The Equal Pay Act was signed into U.S. law by President Kennedy, stating that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work.

UK Women Strike for Equal Pay

187 women at the Ford car plant in Dagenham, UK, went on strike against sexual discrimination, paving the way for the UK's Equal Pay Act of 1970.

Equal Pay Day Initiation

The first Equal Pay Day is observed in the United States, aiming to raise public awareness of the gender wage gap.

Gender Pay Gap Report Adoption

The European Commission adopted a recommendation on strengthening the principle of equal pay between men and women through increased transparency.

International Equal Pay Day Inception

The United Nations officially observed the first International Equal Pay Day, recognizing the global need to end pay disparities based on gender.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Equal Pay Day

Educate your family and friends

Share articles and stories about the gender pay gap with your family and friends. Discuss why it is important to close the gap and what can be done to help.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer with a local organization

Look up local organizations in your area that are dedicated to closing the gender pay gap. You can volunteer your time by attending meetings, making phone calls, or helping with fundraising events.

SUPPORT

Support women owned businesses

Find female owned businesses in your area and show your support by shopping there. This can make a big difference in helping close the gender pay gap.

Share stories on social media

Share inspiring stories of real women who are making a difference in the fight for equal pay on social media. This can spread awareness and help others get involved.

WRITE

Write to your representative

Write to your representative and let them know that you care about the issue of equal pay. Ask them to take action and introduce legislation that will help close the gender pay gap.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Equal Pay Day is Important

Equal pay helps promote gender equality

By acknowledging International Equal Pay Day we can help make gender inequality a thing of the past. This event serves as an important reminder that women deserve to have their labor recognized and acknowledged, not taken for granted or undervalued.

Equal pay is a basic human right

Everyone deserves to be compensated fairly for equal work, regardless of their gender, race or other factors. International Equal Pay Day reminds us that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve economic equality and gain financial freedom.

Equal pay can help reduce poverty

Enforcing better pay standards can help reduce poverty levels and improve living conditions in some of the world's most underserved communities. It also encourages people to work harder and strive for success, since they are now rewarded more fairly for their efforts.

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