In early spring of 1998 when the torn piece of paper arrived in my mailbox at Goodyear, listing my name and salary alongside those of the three other area managers, my life changed forever. I’d stopped to check my mail, as I’d done every day for 19 years. I flipped through assorted company memos and fliers, almost missing the torn piece of paper with black handwriting on it stuck in the middle.
Reading the scribbled words, my heart jerked as if hit by a lightning bolt. The note showed my salary, listed next to the three male managers’ salaries: I was earning $44,724 while the highest-paid man earned $59,028 and the other two followed close behind, earning $58,464 and $58,226. Maybe I was seeing things. Maybe this note was a serious mistake or a bad joke, though I knew in my gut it wasn’t.
As I read those numbers again and again, I couldn’t help but think how I’d started at Goodyear in 1979. Almost forty at the time, I was far from naïve: I’d known from the get-go I’d have to work longer and smarter than the men in order to prove myself. I came in early and stayed late to make sure my area was prepped properly. I rarely said no, never stopped learning, and never backed down. Read more…
Categories: Americas, United States, Women, Women Rights
This may be so, however, we should remember ‘the history of the un-equal pay’ (for men and women).
In the good old days, even in the West, it was the men who should ‘bring in the money’ and the women who looked after the house. When women started to enter the workforce this was just an ‘additional benefit’ for the family. Consequently they did not ‘need’ the same salary.
OK, things are different now with many ‘single parent households’ and such…
(Just ‘for the record’)…
To a woman, unequal pay for an equal amount of work means ‘unequal status’ as a human being. It appears that the inequality between the genders found in the west can be traced to the Christian roots of the western culture. The Bible specifically speaks to the inferior status of women. Islam, on the other hand, grants equality. It is easy to understand why the inheritance of a daughter would be half that of a son (he needs to support the whole family, and she is not obligated to share her wealth with anyone) but as far as wages are concerned, one would expect a woman to be paid the same as a man if they are doing the same amount of work. It’s a matter of justice and fair wages, both promoted by the Holy Quran.
Well this is a very delicate Issue According to Quran Man is stronger physically and economically as well.That there will be no equalityin nature.Women are fine and delicate they can not perform such works which only men can do.If there is difference then they payment will be different too. On the other hand women have more rights and more respect in the society. In the modern world women think they being discriminated because she is giving up her natural duties, those duties what the nature has given her.
The average woman would not want to go out to work, if the economy allowed it. They would rather look after the home and family (much more strenous and never ending…).
But, now most women have to work and apply what they qualified for in practice. And what about the ones who are educated, have no children/husband to look after and need to work? Some have nobody to look after them, but themselves.
Therefore, applying the Qur’anic teaching of Justice, women should be paid equal to men in the same field of work.
Will the men rise to this challenge?
In the above mentioned scenario, women end up working more than men (at work and home), yet they do not get equal pay or recognition.
You would like the men to rise to this challenge? OK: As the men have to provide for the whole family and the ladies either only for themselves or if they are married provide an additional income: Let us give them equal recognition and let’s keep the unequal pay…
Agree with Shazia Sohail’s comment!
So this is the modern era that advocates a woman’s equality. An elusive equality in which she is forced to share the burden of her man’s responsibilities and pushed out of the comfort of the house and the bliss of a safe environment. Just to have a cheap labour available in the market. This is the true picture of double standards and a woman being deceived and deprived of her rights in the name of “equilibrium” .
After all what does men have to loose? It is them playing win win game.
A woman still stands a looser even in this modren era.
In fact women and men are NEVER equal in physique but in status. This “equality” is judged by their actions and deeds. The more wise and beneficence an individual proves the more respected should be. Regardless of gender distinction. But as for physique and strength they are definitely not equal. So needless to fall in this argument.
I am honestly surprised by some of the Ahmadi brothers on this page. Islam teaches equality for all. Yes there are differences in the gender, and due to this Allah the All-knowing and wise has given each gender tasks to suit his creation. However, that does not mean one is superior to another. Modern society calls for the necessity of women to contribute and they are getting an unfair proverbial slice of the pie. Regardless usually, women still have to tend to the home more than men; especially people from non-western backgrounds. Also, history and sociology shows that unfortunately true respect is tied to economic autonomy. Even if she is not fully providing for the household, no woman works and does not offer it towards her household. Ideally, she may not have to if her husband makes enough, but usually those women chose not to have an additional income. And if a woman can help in the household to make means better, why can the man not help out around the house a little more? I digress, but Islam and Ahmadiyyat promotes fair and logical, simple rules. If both genders are doing the same work-regardless of anything-the reward should be the same.
Even if I agree with the issue regarding a woman’s delicate physique and men’s responsibility to provide for the family, I have never seen that the job descriptions are different for each of them in the same department. Considering that her physique is weak then her job description should be much lighter than that of men!!! In fact, I have seen the opposite; when a women, due to her high sense of responsibility and the ability to finish the task in or before time, is appreciated as a worker, her job description expands!!!
What an injustice in this world of men.
There is no doubt that in private sector there is a salary discrimination while in public sector there is no gap.
It is the Psyche and lack of negotiating skills on women side.
I encourage that women should negotiate an equal pay like their male co workers.
God has never intended there to be an unfair distinction between men and women, this arises only due to “man’s” interpretations.
The Holy Quran does not advocate unfairness and injustice based on any ones’s “blood and sweat”.
In today’s world, how can a man outperform a woman in the workforce if for example they work off a computer, are doctors or even scientists? Physique in these instances has no standing. It’s a matter of intelligence.
So would we then imply that a man is more intelligent than a woman?…..
Sorry, There is a typo, I meant to just say “Holy Quran doesn’t advocate”
The following verse from the Holy Quran is self-explanatory:
“And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a right balance; that is best and most commendable in the end (17:36).”
is a man more intelligent than a women? Of course not. On the contrary. In schools these days we clearly see that girls outperform boys. I am sure this happened in the past also. Now the ‘male chauvanist’ side of nature sort of ‘balanced the female superiority’ out. With ‘gender discrimination’ being ‘phased out’ the female gender therefore will lead. Will it be a better world? Ok, let’s wait and see.
Agree with Shazia Sohail’s comments, regarding gender equality!
This discussion reminds me of an incident which I had the pleasure to watch. Sir Mohammad Zafrullah Khan was invited to speak at a function organized by the New York Times (November 1963, yes, I was already alive). Before the speeches there was a small gathering. As usual Choudhry Sahib was ‘attacked’, this time by the editor’s wife. She mentioned that ‘we ladies in USA have equality’ and ‘how is it among you people’. (something like that). Choudhry Sahib listened and then asked: ‘Madame, how many children do you have?’ Like any proud mother she answered with some details of what they are studying now. Then Choudhry Sahib said: ‘Madame, please ask your husband now to have the next three children’. The American lady was shocked. Choudhry Sahib then went on to explain, that, yes, the Qur’an teaches us ‘equality in value’, but, as much as you try, there will never be equality in all functions.
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Before I start, I sincerely request your pardon for the long piece – as I think, it will not be possible to address the TOPIC in just a few lines.
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The Short-Answer-Point of View is that a WAGE has to be – AND – should be based upon the Volume of Work (assigned and accomplished) for everybody irrespective of the Gender, Race, Religion, Ethnicity and Color, etc.
For sure, “MONEY” on its own has no sense of a GENDER.
Money remains Money; no matter it sits in a Lady’s Handbag or a Gentleman’s Wallet.
Bank Account will EARN the same amount of INTEREST; no matter if the Account Holder is a Man or a Woman.
If a female worker is assigned with the “SAME JOB DESCRIPTION” as is PRESCRIBED for a male worker – then why to discriminate with their WAGES.
Where the issue goes into Confusion (like almost every issue) is:-
Whenever and wherever; “RELIGION” and “CULTURE” are MIXED – the Doctrine(s) go wrong.
Take the example of “Hijabs” – is the Saudi – Hijab the ONLY WAY of Islamic Modest Dressing ?
Arabian (Saudi) Hijab is nothing but ONE adopted way of dressing, evolved through Arabian Culture.
Will it – OR – Can it apply with the same “enforcement” to the Muslim Peasant Ladies in India, Pakistan, Bangla Desh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mayan Mir and other Sub-Tropical countries; where they HAVE no choice but to WORK IN THE PEDDI FIELDS – full of knee deep water in 35 degrees Celsius Temperature at 95% Humidity – under the open clear sky with the Sizzling Sun at 87 degrees ?
Cultures MUST NOT BE (please) Confused with Religious Teachings.
The Other Side of the Issue is that ISLAM – in particular – encourages Family and Community Living.
The Quranic Verdict is that “Male are (built) stronger than Female” – and this has its FIRST reference to THOSE TRIBAL TRADITIONS that ONLY FEMALE were mandated to work and earn for the whole family and in many cases the extended families; AND the male would DECLINE to WORK, even if a NICER WAGE is offered to them.
(This Tradition is still alive and practiced in many parts of Pakistan)
Otherwise, THE ENTIRE ISLAMIC CIVIC SYSTEM is founded upon:-
JUSTICE (Adl) and COMPASSION (Ehsaan).
It of course, encompasses – ALL Economic Transactions (including wages).
Take example of the SYSTEM of Alms (Zakaat) – does it not talk about the CAPITAL INVESTMENT; COSTS OF PRODUCTION – which obviously include wages paid –; COSTS OF SALES, etc.
AND – Does it not talk about Venture Capital and Margins of Profit and Turnovers ?
AND – DOES it not prescribe the PRE-CONDITION that it must be based upon “JUSTICE (Adl) and COMPASSION (Ehsaan)”
Then, Hadith and Sunnah both most eloquently MANDATE – “FAIR WAGES” – for everyone.
I hope it may be of interest to point out here that:-
The Holy Prophet of Islam Hadhrat Muhammad, s.a.w., by his profession was an International Trader – and – a Farmer (of Livestock and Crops); so were some of His Holy Wives, r.a.a.h. One of them worked as a Leather Tanner.
Did she receive any LESS or MORE wage than her Male co-workers ?
The point here is that ISLAM is by no means OBLIVIOUS of the Human Aspirations. Rather, it tends to SET-UP the PRINCIPLES that apply to various conditions at different times – as per given situations.
As such – ISLAM does not Discriminate between Genders and calls for Fair Wages for everyone.
Now – In Today’s Corporate World :-
The corporate culture (in most parts of the world) is to prescribe relatively LOW wages for the female workers, based upon the following:-
1. Female employees needed Maternal Time Off together with certain Monetary Benefit(s); over few months.
2. The Employers felt at loss or had to absorb “additional costs of employment” (in those cases) in a given period of time, compared to the Male employees.
That is why, in certain countries, “Paternal and Maternal” time off is NOW being practiced; so that the wages tend to relate in a positive balance.
This is CULTURE.
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Cultures are few set patterns in preference to do certain things in certain ways; which are based upon some traditions and some of them are legally instituted – BUT – all of them remain SUBJECT to IMPROVIZATION and EVOLVE with TIME.
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Religions are Pre-Defined rules applicable to different situations; they are enough flexible (in Islam) to encompass all situations WITHOUT deviating from the founding principles.
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When any Parity is calculated for the wages for a Male or a Female employee; the fundamental consideration is that how many hours are worked, what additional benefits are given, how much time has been lost from the overall work scheme and what each employee (on a similar job description) would cost per period (year or less).
Then, an entrepreneur (Male or Female) is there to Optimally Minimize the costs of production and sale, to keep the shop doors open. Should he/she be let suffer the losses ?
What I wish to convey is that:-
Islam – calls for Fair Wages for ALL; which are Calculable in any part of the world based upon the Economic Factors involved – Type of Work, Period of Work, Additional Benefits, Time Off, Time Lost, etc.
And – in many cases, if the basic applicable rate is the same, still with the applicable deductions, the RESULTANT FAIR WAGE can show different numbers and digits.
These days, most of the HR Departments use (in many countries of the world) the Actuarial Calculated “DENOMINATORS” to calculate wages – And their Study and Understanding is the TRUE solution.
(unless an employer or an employee is intentionally doing otherwise)
Therefore, it is a matter more related to “Actuarial Science” than of a Religious Philosophy.
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ISLAM – however, stands foremost in Support of “Actuarial Calculation” of Wages:–
A COUNTRY-WIDE “FAIR WAGE CALCULATION” WITH APPLICABLE ADJUSTMENTS WAS CONDUCTED DURING THE CALIPHATE OF HADHRAT UMER, r.a.; the Second Caliph of Islam.
And later on during the Mughal Period. (as an other example).
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