howmuchworld

Home › Indicators › Equal pay for work of equal value

Equal pay for work of equal value

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on three points: it requires equal pay for work of equal value (as defined by the International Labour Organization), it is not limited to the “same work” or “similar work”, and it covers all remuneration and not only the basic wage. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

“Written into law” means all three conditions are met.

Ctrl + scroll: zoom · drag: pan
186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Equal pay for work of equal value: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Written into law : 98 ; Not written into law : 88.

Why this indicator matters

The principle of equal pay for work of equal value protects against pay gaps based on sex. Comparing it shows which countries write it into their labor law.

What makes this indicator vary

Whether this principle is written into law depends on the history of labor law, ratified international conventions and social mobilization. Its wording varies: some laws refer to the same work, others to equal value.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes what the written law provides, not the wages actually paid. A compliant law does not prevent pay gaps, and enforcement depends on inspections and available remedies.

Equal pay for work of equal value

Written into law (98)

Not written into law (88)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Equal pay for work of equal value" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does “work of equal value” mean?

It is the idea that different jobs can have the same value, depending on skills, effort or responsibilities. The principle goes further than “the same work”.

Does this indicator measure the actual pay gap?

No. It only indicates whether the law writes in the principle of equal pay under three conditions. The actual gap between wages is measured with other data.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Women's rights