The Gender Pay Gap
The gender pay gap reflects the difference in average pay between men and women in an organisation. It is not simply a number, but a marker of the unequal distribution of opportunity, power and privilege that shapes careers over the lifetime. Factors such as unequal hiring and promotion processes, occupational segregation, and the ‘motherhood penalty’ all contribute to women being less represented in higher-paid and more senior roles.
Since 2018, we have examined how power and privilege are distributed across organisations active in global health. Of the ~200 organisations included in our Gender & Health Index, 45 have reported their gender pay gaps under the UK Government’s mandatory reporting requirements since 2018, although not all have reported every year.
This year, for the first time you can explore all of our gender pay gap data using a suite of newly launched dashboards below (coming soon). They bring together gender pay gap figures for these organisations, so you can see how gender pay gaps have shifted from 2017/18–2024/2025. The data highlights the importance of both transparency and taking action to narrow pay gaps and advance gender justice.
Gender Pay Gap vs Unequal Pay
The gender pay gap measures the difference in average earnings between men and women across an organisation, regardless of role or seniority. It reflects how power and opportunity are distributed, including who holds higher-paid positions.
In many countries, employees doing the same or similar work must be paid equally, regardless of gender. Failure to do so is considered unequal pay and is illegal in many jurisdictions. While unequal pay can contribute to the gender pay gap, the gap itself is largely shaped by broader social, cultural and economic inequalities that influence career pathways, promotion, and how different types of work are valued.
Reports
Closing the Gap?
2025 analysis on eight years of gender pay gap data for UK-based organisations active in global health.
The Space Between
2023 analysis of gender and ethnicity pay gaps in UK organisations active in global health.
Ready to take action?
Image: Mother, Peru, 2019, David Martín Huamaní Bedoya
