International womens day and the UK gender pay gap

As our cast are deep in rehearsals for Made in Dagenham, a show that addresses themese of inequality, particularly for women in the workplace, we thought it fitting to write a blog exploring the events that led to the women of the Ford Dagenham plant walking out on strike and the current state of play with regard to the gender pay gap.

In 1968, the Ford Dagenham factory in the UK became the focal point of a significant movement for gender equality in the workplace, which eventually led to the passing of the Equal Pay Act.

The story begins with the female workers at the Ford Dagenham plant, who were responsible for stitching car seat covers. Despite performing work of equal value to their male counterparts in other departments, they were classified as "unskilled" and paid significantly less. Fed up with this disparity, the women organised a strike in protest of the unfair treatment.

Barbara Castle, the then UK Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, played a crucial role in mediating the dispute between the striking women and Ford management. Castle recognized the injustice faced by these women and was determined to address the issue of pay inequality. She supported the demand for equal pay for equal work and became an advocate for the cause.

Additionally, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), a federation of trade unions in the UK, threw its weight behind the Dagenham women's strike. The TUC recognized the broader implications of the fight for equal pay and offered its support to the striking workers.

The strike garnered significant public attention and generated widespread support, putting pressure on both Ford and the government to take action. Ultimately, the strike played a pivotal role in the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1970 in the UK Parliament. This landmark legislation made it illegal to pay women less than men for the same work or work of equal value.

The Ford Dagenham strike and the subsequent passing of the Equal Pay Act marked significant milestones in the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the workplace, setting a precedent for future movements and legislation aimed at combating pay discrimination.

​International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, has served as a platform to highlight the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also calling attention to areas where progress is still needed. It reminds us of the ongoing fight for gender equality worldwide. In the UK, strides have been made since the passage of the Equal Pay Act, with more women entering the workforce, gaining access to education and leadership positions, and advocating for their rights. However, gender disparities persist in various sectors, including pay, representation in senior roles, and access to opportunities. Women still face challenges such as the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination, and underrepresentation in certain industries.  The gender pay gap in the UK stands at around 15.5%, based on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. This figure represents the difference between the average hourly earnings of men and women across all jobs in the UK. However, it's important to note that the gender pay gap can vary depending on factors such as age, occupation, industry, and region.

Similarly, on a global scale, while progress has been made in some regions, gender inequality remains a pervasive issue, with women disproportionately affected by poverty, violence, lack of access to education and healthcare, and limited economic opportunities. Efforts to address these inequalities continue through advocacy, policy changes, and grassroots movements aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide.

Made in Dagenham is on stage at The Lights theatre Andover, from Wednesday 22nd May through to Saturday 25th May 2024. BOOK NOW!

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