Gender equal pay has become one of the most mentioned topics nowadays. Do women and men receive the appropriate amount of money for their work? We got the chance to discuss this topic with the Ambassador of the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia, Gautam A. Rana, to explore strategies and progress in addressing this vital issue.
Are there any typical stereotypes between genders in your home country? Have you encountered any visible differences in Slovakia?
While the United States has made significant strides in breaking down gender stereotypes, there are still lingering perceptions that vary across different regions and demographics. It’s also important to note that we still have a wage gap issue in the U.S. as well – in 2023 women in the United States made about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.
However, even though there is clearly a long way to go, it’s important to note that these stereotypes are increasingly being challenged and redefined, with many individuals and communities advocating for gender equality and breaking free from these outdated expectations. The wage gap is also slowly closing – twenty years ago, women were making 65 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Similar wage gaps exist in Slovakia. According to Slovakia’s Labor Ministry’s Institute of Social Policy’s annual Report on Social Situation of the Slovak Population in 2022, women in Slovakia received 84 cents for every euro earned by men. However, much like the United States, efforts are being made to combat these in order to promote inclusion and equality across society. For example, our embassy has supported AmCham Slovakia’s Equal Pay Day Conference to call attention to the issue.
Women can perform their jobs as professionally as men.
Why do you think men earn more annually than women?
Gautam Rana with his family
What are the characteristic traits that working women have that men tend to lack?
It’s important to recognize that individuals, regardless of gender, possess a diverse range of skills and traits that contribute to success in the professional environment. We should focus on recognizing and valuing the unique skills, talents, and perspectives that each individual brings to their work, regardless of gender. This approach fosters a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture where everyone can thrive based on their abilities and contributions.
Both men and women can contribute equally and valuably to the professional environment.
Looking ahead, what priorities does your embassy have in advancing gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in Slovakia?
As the U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, advancing gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men is a priority for the United States. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the elimination of gender-based violence and discrimination around the world. Our embassy works closely with the Slovak government to promote gender equality in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and political participation.
We also support initiatives to address gender-based violence and discrimination, as well as promote women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. By collaborating with our Slovak partners, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Link to U.S. Embassy webpage: https://sk.usembassy.gov/
Ambassador Gautam Rana with the US president John Biden
To learn more about Equal Pay Initiative, join us on our special Equal Pay Day event:
https://eshop.akcnezeny.sk/produkt/equal-pay-day-2024-all-inclusive-vstupenka/
