Young girls say gender pay gap is 'never okay'

This new study suggests that young girls are looking for true equality, rather than simply reversing the imbalance.

With increasing public conversations around the gender pay gap in sports, entertainment, and business, the next generation is already showing a strong sense of fairness—one that could shape future workplaces.

The reality of the gender pay gap

The latest statistics on the Gender Pay Gap in the UK, published by the Office for National Statistics, reveal that while progress has been made, women in the UK still earn less than men on average. The report shows that:

• The median gender pay gap across all employees is 13.1%, meaning women earn 86.9p for every £1 men earn.
• The gap is more pronounced in high-earning sectors, such as finance, skilled trades, and senior professional roles.
• Leadership positions show the widest disparity, as fewer women reach senior roles, contributing to a growing earnings gap over time.

This real-world data makes it even more striking that young girls are already aware of pay inequality and firmly believe it should not exist.

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Why does the pay gap still exist?

Experts highlight several reasons why the gender pay gap persists, despite growing awareness and new legislation:

• Women are underrepresented in higher-paying industries like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths).
• Career breaks for caregiving (such as maternity leave) often result in slower career progression.
• A lack of transparency in pay structures makes it harder for women to negotiate salaries effectively.
• Unconscious bias in promotions and hiring still affects how women progress in many workplaces.

These structural issues suggest that while attitudes are shifting among younger generations, real change requires action from employers and policymakers.

The next generation demands change

Girl Talk’s survey results show that young girls are not just aware of these issues—they expect change. As they grow up and enter the workforce, their firm stance on fair pay for all could lead to stronger demands for:

• Greater pay transparency, so employees know what their colleagues earn and can challenge inequalities.
• Stronger parental leave policies, making it easier for both men and women to balance careers and family life.
• More female representation in high-paying industries, encouraging girls to pursue leadership roles in sectors where women are currently underrepresented.

Claire Norman, Editor of Girl Talk, sees this as a positive shift:

This is really encouraging to hear because it shows the future generation are growing up knowing their value and worth, which is exactly what Girl Talk tries to promote.

With increased awareness from a young age, this generation of girls may be the ones to finally close the gender pay gap.

A more hopeful future?

While the 2024 Gender Pay Gap Report shows that progress is still needed, the Girl Talk survey proves that the next generation is already thinking about workplace equality.

The overwhelming belief that fair pay should be a given—not a fight—suggests that change is inevitable.

If today’s children grow up with these values, the workplaces of tomorrow could finally achieve true gender pay equality.

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