Data shows Gender Pay Gap persists despite progress on Gender Equality

Apr 7 2023

It has been over 25 years since the UN’s Beijing Declaration aimed to promote equality between men and women. Despite progress, the issue of gender equality remains, particularly when it comes to the gender pay gap. On average, women in the European Union are paid less than men.

However, a narrower gender pay gap does not necessarily indicate more gender equality. It can occur in countries with lower female employment rates. In contrast, a high pay gap may suggest that women are more concentrated in low-paid sectors or that many work part-time.

The gender pay gap is not straightforward and stems from numerous factors. While more women than men finish higher education in the EU, women are still underrepresented in the labor market. In 2022, almost one-third of women worked part-time, compared to only 8% of men. Women are more likely to take career breaks to care for children and relatives.

The gender pay gap also grows with age, potentially due to career breaks by women. Moreover, it varies by industry and was higher in the private sector than in the public sector in most EU countries in 2021.

The overrepresentation of women in lower-paying sectors and underrepresentation in higher-paid sectors is a significant factor in the gender pay gap. For example, in 2021, women held 34.7% of managerial positions in the EU on average.

The gender pay gap puts women at a higher risk of poverty in old age, as women aged over 65 in the EU received pensions that were on average 28.3% lower than pensions received by men in 2020. The gap varied between member states, from 0.1% in Estonia to 41.5% in Malta.

The European Parliament is taking action to address the gender pay gap. In December 2022, negotiators from the Parliament and EU countries agreed that EU companies would be required to disclose information to expose gender pay gaps. In March 2023, the Parliament adopted new rules on binding pay-transparency measures. Employers will have to conduct joint pay assessments with worker representatives if pay reporting reveals a gender pay gap of at least 5%. EU countries will impose penalties, such as fines, for employers who break the rules.

Moreover, vacancy notices and job titles will have to be gender-neutral. The Council still needs to approve the agreement formally for the rules to come into effect.

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Ben Francis went from sewing in a garage to Britains youngest billionaire

Apr 7 2023

Ben Francis, the founder of Gymshark, is a true testament to the power of hard work, passion, and determination. His journey to becoming one of the world’s youngest billionaires began in 2012, when he was just a 19-year-old college student and pizza delivery guy.

At the time, Francis was a dedicated gym-goer and found that the available workout clothes on the market were lacking in both quality and style. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands and began sewing his own workout gear in his parents’ garage.

Francis started by making clothes for himself and his friends, but soon realized that there was a market for his unique designs. He launched Gymshark in 2012, using a £1,000 loan from his grandmother to get started.

The company initially sold just a few products, but quickly gained popularity thanks to Francis’ savvy use of social media. He used platforms like Instagram and YouTube to showcase his products and build a following, and soon Gymshark had a dedicated fan base.

As the company grew, Francis began partnering with fitness influencers to promote his brand, which helped to expand his reach even further. By 2016, Gymshark had reached £41 million in revenue and had become one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK.

In 2020, the company’s revenue surpassed £500 million, and Francis became Britain’s youngest billionaire at just 28 years old. Gymshark now sells a wide range of workout clothing and accessories, and has a massive global following.

But despite his success, Francis remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to be involved in every aspect of Gymshark’s operations, from design to marketing, and is constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve his products.

In an interview with Forbes, Francis spoke about his vision for Gymshark, saying, “We want to create a movement. We want to create a community where people feel like they’re part of something bigger than just buying clothes.”

His passion and dedication have certainly paid off, and Gymshark has become much more than just a clothing brand – it’s a lifestyle. And with Francis at the helm, it’s clear that the company will continue to push boundaries and inspire fitness enthusiasts around the world.

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Malta’s Barklori workers fight to protect historical heritage and livelihoods

Apr 7 2023

The Facebook post by Nationalist Party Member of Parliament Adrian Delia highlights the grievances of the Barklori, a group of workers in Malta who are facing the threat of losing their livelihoods due to the actions of the Labor Government. Delia is sharing the statement issued by the Barklori in response to a protest they made earlier in the day.

The Barklori have been working from a shop in front of the Old Customs building in Malta for many years, and they have become a part of the country’s historical heritage. However, despite their contributions to the culture and tourism industry in Malta, they are now facing the threat of losing their workplace and their jobs. This is because Infrastructure Malta, a government agency responsible for infrastructure development, is planning to build a new pier that will occupy the Barklori’s sale.

The Barklori are not opposed to the development of infrastructure, but they are calling for a solution that will protect their livelihoods and the historical heritage of the country. They are demanding that the relevant authorities come together to find a solution that makes sense, and that they are given a temporary alternative so that they can work safely and not endanger themselves or their passengers. They are also calling for a written agreement that reflects a permanent sale chosen by agreement, that brings respect to the historical heritage of the country, their work and their rights.

The Barklori’s statement highlights the lack of support they have received from the ministries of Tourism and Culture, and the silence of the representatives of the people. They are calling for their rights as workers and members of the community to be respected and protected.

This situation raises important questions about the responsibilities of governments in protecting the cultural heritage and the livelihoods of their citizens. It is important for governments to balance the need for development and progress with the need to protect the cultural heritage and the rights of their citizens.

The Barklori’s protest and their call for a solution that makes sense is an important reminder that the voices of workers and communities should be heard and taken into account when making decisions that will affect their lives and livelihoods. It is important for governments to listen to the concerns of their citizens and work towards solutions that benefit everyone.

In conclusion, the Facebook post by Adrian Delia sheds light on the struggles of the Barklori, and their call for a solution that will protect their livelihoods and the historical heritage of the country. It is a reminder of the importance of balancing the need for development with the need to protect the rights and interests of communities and workers.

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Christian Borg’s ‘No Deposit Cars Malta’ posted on socials showing a poster of Jason Azzopardi

Apr 7 2023

‘No Deposit Cars Malta’ owned by Christian Borg, has taken a dig at former PN MP Jason Azzopardi.

The rivalry between these two has been ongoing for quite some time and the company has now decided to post this photo on Facebook this morning.

Christian Borg faced charges for alleged kidnapping and has been in the news for the past two years on multiple subjects and controversies.

Prime Minister Robert Abela was asked multiple times about his relationship with Christian Borg, whilst Jason Azzopardi continues to ask plenty of questions on his own personal social media.

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