Gender gaps and income
In the Cayman Islands, between 1989 and 1999 females’ mean income almost doubled, compared with a 74.6% increase for males. However, the absolute value of this increase was still less than that for males and the gender income gap actually grew during that period. It was not until the new millennium that the increase in females’ mean income narrowed this gap, from 24% in 1999 to 16.6% in 2010.
Data from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing reveal that females also earned less money than their male counterparts at every level of education and within many occupations and industries. The widest gap was found in elementary occupations, where a female earned an average of 64¢ for every $1.00 that a male earned. University-educated women earned $17,431 less than university-educated men per year, which added up to a difference of over 23%.
While this gap has closed over time, the continuing difference in the average income of males and females reflects lingering inequalities in our society and it is important to address the root causes of inequality in order to create a better and more equal future. When males and females have the same opportunities to earn income there are positive effects for women, for children and families, for the economy, and for society as a whole.
Direct and indirect discrimination
Direct discrimination in income can occur when men and women receive different pay for the same work or when they have different job requirements for the same pay. These discrepancies may be based on sex or on gender characteristics, which are qualities that define what we think of as “femininity” and “masculinity”. For example, an employer may assume that a woman wouldn’t be able to take on a difficult new task because females are not as good at complex problem-solving, or may believe that only a man should be promoted to a management position because males are inherently better leaders.
Indirect discrimination in income is even more complicated and can result from a number of different factors that people often don’t consider. For example, women tend to work fewer hours than men and takecareer breaks because of the unequal burden of unpaid domestic work and caring for children and the elderly. Additionally, jobs traditionally associated with men tend to pay better than traditionally female jobs for the same level of skill required and irrespective of the level of qualification.
Stereotypes and prejudices
Women’s work is undervalued in part because they are seen as having primary responsibility for unpaid work in the home and caregiving. This channels females into similar occupations and industries, such as domestic work, education and human services. The skills required in these roles and “feminine talents” like caring and nurturing are not rewarded or well-paid. Once the gender division of labour is established it encourages women to choose these occupations. Employers often further reinforce the division by not adapting work environments to suit men and women or by favouring one sex over the other.
Women also tend to be at a disadvantage in the labour market because some behaviours — like self-promotion and negotiation — that work for men and lead to higher salaries and career progression may actually backfire on women and cause them to be penalised when they are perceived differently.
When we have expectations or feelings about people based their sex or gender we may act in ways that negatively affect them. Often we don’t even think about these stereotypes or prejudices and hurt or disadvantage someone without even realising it. We might think that we are simply behaving in ways that accurately reflect the realities or abilities of men and women, but we are actually discriminating and reinforcing inequality.
Promoting gender equality
Gender gaps in part reflect the outcomes of discriminatory social processes. Therefore, valuing girls and boys and men and women equally and promoting equality of opportunity in all areas is important to minimise discrimination that leads to and reinforces inequality.
As individuals we can all strive to recognise stereotypes or prejudices we may have about the qualities or capabilities of males and females and what roles, career paths and other personal choices are “suitable” for each sex.
When we are more conscious of these assumptions we can choose how we respond – within our families and home lives; in the workplace as employers and employees; as parents, teachers and mentors to children; and in other relationships and positions that we have and hold. We can choose to act in ways that promote equality.
In 2013, make it a New Year’s Resolution to promote gender equality. Don’t stereotype.
Under the Gender Equality Law, 2011, it is illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status or pregnancy in employment and related matters or to pay unequal remuneration to men and women performing work of equal value. If you believe you have been discriminated against you can make a complaint to the Gender Equality Tribunal. For more information, please contact get@gov.ky or 244-3226 or visit www.genderequality.gov.ky.
Category: Viewpoint
I’m all for it. Can men now have a law like the women have ‘insulting the modesty of a woman’. Don’t men deserve the same protection?
First step is to get rid of religeons.
"Women hold up half the sky."
— Mao Zedong
Actually, I think Mao got it wrong. In my experience (as a man) has been that women probalby hold up 60% of the sky.
That's worrying, because if the sky is a map they will be holding it upside down 50% of the time.
I don't see any problem at all about women being paid the same as men. But I give you a scenario. Suppose a man and woman comes to work in a physically demanding job like airport taxi driver , divemaster, construction worker. Lets start with taxi driver .
First: Man driver takes a fare to airport comes out of car and takes four samsunite suit cases out of car puts on ground then collects fare. Woman driver can't lift suit cases too heavy. Should she get the same money or should she say I'm a lady those bags too heavy.
Second : Divemaster has to move tanks both man and woman move them but man moves more and is more efficient. Man recovers from task faster then woman.Divemasters on boat need to rescue older heavy man or woman from drowning. Woman swims out to man and brings man to platform on back of boat . Does other woman on boat lift man? Should we just exempt woman from that part of job and say well she encourages more business to boat because shes pretty or sexy? Are we saying we still are equal ?
Third : Woman carpenter , mason , steel worker, roofer, electrician will they still be equal ? All of that physical work hot sweaty, stinky oops won't they need a different bathroom . Are we still equal?
I believe where we might have some competition is in the office. Like lawyer,acct, insurance execs. But these are very high stress jobs and takes more mental pursuits then physical. I also believe if you are looking for this kind of career you should make babies later after you retire.
wow. fyi women can do all that and more. get with it dude it is 2013. Women are not the same as men but we are equal. equal pay for equal work! If i do less work then pay me less. If i do same workthen pay me the same. K.I.S.S.!
Cayman will never be a fair place for girls and women until it matures enough to realize that Christianity should not be taken too seriously. At the moment there simply are too many Bible literalists running things and holding women back. Many girls are raised in Cayman to believe that they are the second-class "helpmates" of men, the leaders. It's sick.
Grow up, Cayman. Religion is holding us back.
Here a some quotes from the "perfect word of God" to illustrate my point. These are just a few. There are many more. What girl or woman can read this kind of backward stupidity in a book they are told is God's instruction manual for life and not be negatively influenced?
"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." (1 Corinthians 14:34−35)
"For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but thewoman for the man." (1 Corinthians 11:8−9)
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything." (Ephesians 5:22−24)
"Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die." (Ecclesiastes 25:22)
"Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." (1 Timothy 2:11−14)
Idiotic nonsense that should have been left back in the Iron Age. Move on, Cayman. It's 2013.
Please do not reject the bible by seeing it as some stoneage anancy fairytail, everything is true included those verses you submitted,like it or not that's the way it is.Just keep the faith.
" I also believe if you are looking for this kind of career you should make babies later after you retire."
Really? Hey, Mr. Rocket Scientist, it takes two people to make a baby. Why does the woman have to be the one who sacrifices the most in the process? How come men can "make babies" and carry on with their careers like nothing happened?
That is the problem in the world today. a few strange Women want to be equal to man. Criminals want human rights same as the free man on the street. Who is responsible for thinking that man and woman should be equal treated? As a man I would hate to know that my Lady is being treated with no consideration for her being a woman and expected to be treated same as a man at the work place. I am a man and I want to treat my Woman as a Lady, I do not expect to see her working as a mechanic, I do not expect to see her roll up her sleeves and working construction. Women have a monthly cycle that is different from men. Women are the primary caregiver of the Man and Woman family. Are you seriously telling me that the few egoeista women in the world that probaly do not want to have kids are making it seem that they want to be equal to men? Are you telling me that you want to be compensated for being a Mother? Shame on you. Motherhood has no price and be treated like a man is your goal.? Mothers, (real moms), do not let this few lead you in the path of a man. You are female, real men love real females. Its what we live for, we work for a woman, to love a woman, to let a woman work how and when she wants. Be a woman. Stand up and demad that your man be a man. can we just correct all the wrongs in the world today by being a Family. A family consist of a Man and Woman, and each doing there part. No Laws in the world would stop me from going after a boss that treats my Lady as a Man. Nuff Said. Which ever woman that has this agenda to be treated equaly to man on teh work place has a serious chip on there sholder. A woman goal in life should be to get as much done without messing up her makeup and her manicure. Hey lady, its your turn to change the water cooler bottle at the workplace today. yeaahh right.
I'm 21 years of age, female, and Caymanian, and I am absolutely disgusted by your view. Your voice is emblematic of the problem with, not all, but many men in Cayman.
Firstly, your points seem to be more concerned with the physical differences between men and women. While women are indeed physically weaker than men, they are not incompetent. In cultures such as the Apache, while there were different roles designated to each gender, from childhood both male and female children were taught the same tasks such as tracking, skinning, and combat for they had the foresight that the future was uncertain and that in times of need both may be required to perform in contrasting roles. We've seen this in more recent times, primarily World War II where the absence of men demanded that women fill empty factories. Entire dynasties have fallen on the shoulders of women as with Pingyang who led her own army and due to her bravery and cunning in battle helped her father defeat the Sui dynasty and create their own. From crossdressing to fight in the American Civil War to the physical demands by the Soviet regime, women have often not only fulfilled roles society may or may not have approved of, but sought them out and have shown far greater tenacity than many men who cower in the face of such danger. Please tell me how many men in Cayman could meet such demands. Thus, simply because you do not want to see 'your' woman rolling up her sleeves and participating in hard labour does not mean she cannot and should not.
In regards to your snide remarks on the compensation of motherhood, I do not believe any mother asks to be rewarded with anything but the success and happiness of her family. I would counter that considering men like yourself desire to be the head of the family and boast about 'supporting' their family should not be compensated for any efforts placed in doing what they are supposed to. Having worked with charities in the past, there is a sad reality that in most cases, the 'fathers' and 'husbands' feel that they must be rewarded in some way. If you give money to the father or 'Man' of the house, more often than not, the majority is spent on himself while the remaining 10-20% is given to the family. On the other hand, you give the money to the 'Woman', she will typically use that money to feed, clothe, house, and educate her children rather than spending selfishly. Please note the use of words such as 'often' and 'typically', as I am not one to make blind generalizations. If a man wants to be glorified for his efforts, than he must prove his worth. What you probably mean, however, is that women who work a 9-5 and still find the time to fulfill her 'feminine' role (i.e keep groomed, mind the home, mind the children, etc) and are questioning why she must be compensated further. I ask, then, is it fair that a man who also works a 9-5 and happens to change a few bottles of water here and there be paid significantly more? Or is the approval of her 'Man' enough to make up for that inequality?
A 'real Man' would not cower in the face of a woman who can fulfill her own traditional role while pursuing her dreams, but admire, respect, and relish in the challenge. I do agree with you on one point, women must demand that their men are MEN, not mere boys. And, no, that does not mean a man who can climb higher and higher up the work ladder, but a man who is willing to commit the same work and the same attention he demands of his woman to the home he so desperately wants to lead. Clearly, you have no need for a woman, but a doll.
Well if I am looking to employ some trackers and skinners, then I hope the ladies are applying for the jobs.
At 21 "sweetheart" you would not know what you want out of life. You reach a matured age, you would start to wish that you had taken it easier and was not expected to be equal to a mans role in life. Thanks for the response by the way. Healty debate is good. However, I did not say a woman cant or should not, im saying that this is what makes the world out of balance. A man and woman doing a similar job, such as office work, saloon job, and those kind of 9-5 jobs can be considered equal pay based on the efforts. So a man will work right through the season, no cramps, no call in sick for the monthly cycle that some women face harder than others, the male would not need 3 months break if in case he got pregnaut. So if the surveys are going to paint a picture that a woman has earned less pay I think it was noted 30% less than a male in the same role, these survey would be done from a broad range, and each time the survey would have the same results due to the same situations. For example, from a legal stand point matertinty pay is based on 1.5 months being paid, most women end up taking 3 to 4 months. So and just as an example how can the survey not seem biased and predujice if this is the case. This days even some men want to be women as well. The main point that im trying to make is that even if a woman was receiving the same salary as the male counterpart, the final pay would always seem less based on real women suitation. What if the survey was done at a time of year when women had completed maternity with extended periods. The surveys can cause this imbalance of a young mind. Again jobs such as Lawyers, Doctors, and jobs that seem to be based on educated minds are real jobs that can be considered as same based on efforts. Its not about being macho, its about facts and survey. A good example would be that as you might have heard that Cayman seem to have a high rate of "Cancer". Has it ever been noted that they compare Cayman with places that cannot afford healthcare? Could it be that in Cayman, we do not have a single person resident on the Islands that is not affored Healthcare, some pay and some think it is there entitlement. So for each case the records are updated and kept, so its not that the rate is higher, its just that the rate of finding out is better that the other places in comparison, either way the point is the same, the survey can give data that is correct, but very misleading. So "Darling", dont rush to be a man, be a lady and reap the benifits that come with it. And yes, it would be nice to have a Doll. Please review the salary and the pay. You would see that the salaries would be the same, but the overall Pay would be less.
I agree, healthy debate is good, but your argument will not be substantiated by my apparent lack of experience due to my age or by patronizing me with names such as 'Darling' and 'Sweetheart'. Nor do I want to be compared to a man, but to be treated as I come as an individual. If you are familiar with the law you would then know that you do not take a person by their gender, but by their state of mind and their capacity as an individual.
If we do take into consideration menstrual difficulties and pregnancy, your argument may be valid if not for the reality that for as many women who take extended vacations there are women who do not face those 'problems' and still receive unfair treatment in the workforce. Needless to say, in this day and age, many jurisdictions provide the same exemptions to men. For example, men are guaranteed up to 2 weeks paternity leave and a further 24 weeks if the mother has returned to work as in the United Kingdom despite the father having not undergone the same strain. If a woman decides to take extended leave, then the loss is hers to bear.
However, my point extended beyond the physical differences between men and women, but the social expectations of a woman which you indicated bias towards. While you may not have said women should not and could not, you expressed difficulty in accepting the idea of a woman undertaking traditionally male tasks. This problem surpasses the expectation that women undergo severe menstrual pain and will at some point in their life become pregnant, but includes stereotypes that women are the weaker sex- physically, mentally, and emotionally. Therefore, jobs which often provide higher pay are often beyond the reach of many women because this paternalistic mentality prevails in society.
I had difficulty in understanding your cancer analogy, possibly due to the grammatical errors. I will assume you meant that in terms of treatment, some shell out money where as other merely expect that someone else will address their needs. What I will say is that the increased cases of cancer can be attributed to the decline in physical activity, poor diet, and unhealthy habits which have been linked to many forms of cancer. In such cases, as with all things, it is a risk people take and a consequence they should have to deal with on their own, as with the case of a woman who takes extended pregnancy leave.
However, as I said above, this is assuming that all cancer patients have brought it upon themselves which is not the case. Some, sadly, are dealt an unfortunate hand. While data may be skewed to argue one case or the other, it is often safe to say that conclusions made upon educated analysis and estimation. So in a country where it may be more difficult to compile data than in Cayman, there are specialists who can often provide their own observations and weigh the data against their collective observations.
Regardless, my point was and remains that when analyzing a subject, one must take into account the varying factors before coming to some form of conclusion. While you may be saying, once again, there exist physical differences that may debilitate ome women in some circumstances, there exist other factors such as society's discomfort in allowing women to take roles beyond the traditional realm.
Take the poster who commented sarcastically that if they were looking for skinners and trackers they hope women would seek that position. While such roles may not be necessary today, let us take into consideration occupations such as gardening and construction. Even if a woman had the same qualifications and capabilities as their male counterparts, few employers would consider a woman to assume such a job. These biases limit the fields in which women may be involved.
Likewise, I would alsoargue on the side of a male in the same circumstances. If a male wants to be a nurse or take to child caring, he undergoes similar discrimination. However, we should also be frank that the jobs often out of the scope of most men's reach are not very profitable. Now, when comparing higher positions such as lawmakers or business people, women face the stereotype that they are 'whiney', 'witchy', and 'miserable' whereas a man in the same breath may be called 'strong willed', 'powerful', 'a go getter', a 'man's man'. Shall I dare remind anyone of Hillary Clinton's presidential bid? Or even the terms used to describe Julianna versus McKeeva? Therefore, putting it to simply a few nonfactors of possible pain and possible pregnancy is somewhat misleading in itself.
So, 'Sir', I would conclude that I am in no rush to be a man, but hope that our country can maturely handle the problem of gender inequality. Well, with everything, honestly, but that is a completely different conversation all together.
Good for you. I hope you change the water bottle at work too and don’t rely on a man to do it!
Some people have a problem with the concept that "equal " and "same" mean the same thing. They do not. Just like people of different ethnic backgrounds are not the "same" ( different color, religions, heritages etc.) , does not mean that they, as individuals, are not, and should not, be equal.
There is no question that men and women are different. That they are not the same. But this in no way means they are not equal and be treated accordingly.
I have said many times and will say it again. Only when we have true gender equality will we truly be free to enjoy our differences.
the usual politically correct cliched drivel…… somebody has been busy looking busy…
says the person commenting during working hours…
lunch break!
I really enjoyed reading this annual report from the ministry. I look forward to next yearseffort.
Dat you Sacred Vessel??
Hope my dinner is ready when I get home.
If not, “Security, you didn’t see nuttin.”
Pathetic hackneyed nonsense. Raw data comparison fails to take into account that many families chose a strucutre whereby the male is allotted the main task of work for remuneration and the female is considered the primary care giver for family and is more likely to want more flexible hours or part-time employment as a result. These differences result in objectively understandable earning gaps. Since a significant proportion of women and men are not doing equal work of equal value these statisitcs are meaningless. The only meaningful comparators are like for like employment comparisons not a braod brush "Men earn this, women earn that" approach.
Interesting you fall upon the generalization that many families "choose" to have the male act as breadwinner and female as caregiver. I think part of the point of this viewpoint is that one of the underlying reasons for the data spread is that societal gender stereotypes force said "choice" upon males and females, thus leading to significant differences in both time worked and income earned by gender. What I find amusing is that your criticism is one of the points being made, which suggests that while you do have some intelligence, you aren't very good at utilizing it. Why is it that most families end up with the male working and the female staying at home (part-time, full-time or otherwise)? Is it really a freely made choice? Why do people make "sacrifices" for family or work heavily based on their gender and the expectations laid upon them? Where do those expectations come from? These are the important questions you fail to grasp, and instead brush aside their effect as "objectively understandable." It is in truth subjectively understandable only if you see that the context under which choices aremade and driven is that promoted by societal forces that rely upon entrenched stereotypes. Just because things have often been so, does not mean they should continue to be so, nor does it mean it represents the best possible outcome for all parties involved. I have the feeling you will brush this aside as well, but hope that those of more reasonable perspective will take a deeper look at why things are the way they are. Perhaps more fathers will aspire to be more actively involved in child rearing, and more mothers will realize they have the opportunity to focus further on their careers and support their family financially without being seen as "bad mothers."
Surely if women were as productive and valuable in the work place the market would reflect that by paying the same.
Just like in the ideal marketplace all workers would have absolute freedom of movement and perfect knowledge of global wage rates such that would never be over- or under-paid for their positions? That employers would never show bias in hiring/promotion based on factors other than ability and output? Methinks such a place lives only in the imagination dear Adam, and that reality might be far removed from your observations of the pin making factory.
To expand on the above opinion, this argument deserves some consideration. If employer A hires a widget maker for $10 per hour and employer B is able to hire a female with exactly the same skills, work ethic, sick days etc. for 20% less, then, all other things being equal, surely employer B has more profits and is more likely to survive? It stands to reason that the employer who hires females for less money has higher profits and is more succesful than their male dominated competitior. That should drive female salaries higher, to the point that they are on level with those of males. That is what free enterprise is all about.
Conversely, if there is some unstated or not considered "cost" of employing females, then this argument does not hold water. In a supposedly free society, I suggest that allowing free market forces, rather than legislation, to dictate salaries is the best answer.
Truthseeker
Unfortunately people don't listen to logic
men and women are not equal….. but should be treated equally based on their 'abilities'
Men and women are equal. All mankind is equal in God's eyes and this should go for us as well. However, men and women are not the made same therefore our roles are not going to be the same. I do agree, that men and women should be treated qually because of their abolities.
Women are superior!
at what?