The gender pay gap in Malta and the EU

Abstract

Purpose: The European Union (EU) considers wage inequality an important issues and this is evident in the different strategies and measures adopted by the EU. Throughout the years different authors have put forward several theories in order to analyse what is causing the gender pay gap. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse and assess the relationship between the EU, Malta and the gender pay gap. This relationship was evaluated in order to determine whether the gender pay gap in Malta declined, increased or remained constant after Malta joined the EU. Method: Both EU and Maltese policies were taken into consideration to analyse which policies were successful till 2016 and whether the gender pay gap was lower before Malta joined the EU. This study was based on Eurostat statistics and Labour Force Surveys conducted by National Statistics Office (NSO). Eurostat statistics explained how the gender pay gap varied with different age groups while the NSO statistics explained the wages of male and female within the different economic sectors. Results: The gender pay gap increased with age. Although in some age groups the gender pay gap was higher than in others, the highest gap was recorded amongst the 65+ group. Additionally, wage statistics showed that although female's wages increased, men still continued to earn more even in jobs which were dominated by women such as education and health although some exceptions apply. Maltese policies adopted before accession to the EU decreased the gender pay while EU policies and measures did not directly have an impact on Malta. Conclusion: This issue of wage inequality has been approached through different measures but more awareness campaigns should be done in Malta to make people aware that although men and women enter the labour market with the same qualifications at the end men will earn more than women. The EU, especially the Commission, has been at the forefront to tackle this issue however, wage inequalities in the EU are still high, therefore more intensified measures are needed to deal with this problem while the gender pay gap in Malta increased again at the end of 2016.