Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has released a new insights paper, “Unpacking Pay Equity in Fashion: Türkiye”, shedding light on the drivers of gender pay disparities in Türkiye’s fashion manufacturing sector.
The paper, launched at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in Paris, reveals that Türkiye’s gender pay gap stands at 15.6-17.4%, exceeding the EU average of 12%. The study, based on a survey of 43 Turkish textile and apparel manufacturers, highlights that occupational segregation, care responsibilities, and limited data visibility contribute to pay inequalities. Women are concentrated in lower-paid roles, while men dominate higher-paid technical and supervisory positions.
Key findings include:
– Structural inequalities: Gender pay disparities are driven by structural factors, not unequal pay for the same work.- Limited data: Inadequate measurement and disclosure of gender-disaggregated wage data hinder companies’ ability to address inequality.
– Economic pressures: Ongoing economic challenges strain the sector, but manufacturers are working to maintain formal employment and comply with labor laws.Closing gender pay gaps is both a social and business imperative. Improving pay equity can boost workforce morale, retention, and long-term resilience, aligning with evolving EU regulatory expectations.
