Women and men tend to work in different industries and roles, with women often concentrated in lower-paying sectors like healthcare, education, and retail. Even within the same industry, women are frequently found in lower-level positions compared to men. Women often have career interruptions due to caregiving responsibilities, leading to less work experience and fewer opportunities for advancement. They may also work fewer hours due to part-time roles, impacting overall earnings.

Gender discrimination and unconscious bias persist in many workplaces. Women may receive lower starting salaries and fewer promotions compared to their male counterparts with similar qualifications and experience. Studies suggest that women are less likely to negotiate salaries or advocate for raises compared to men, sometimes due to societal expectations and perceived backlash.

Skills and roles typically associated with women are often undervalued and underpaid. For example, caregiving roles, predominantly held by women, are less financially rewarded despite their societal importance. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive measures, including enforcing equal pay laws, promoting workplace diversity, supporting work-life balance, and encouraging salary negotiations to bridge the gender pay gap.