4 Jul 2024
Forty-three engineering and architecture firms have nearly eliminated the gender pay equity gap among their employees following a campaign to ensure men and women in the same roles receive equal pay.
The findings were released as part of the Diversity Agenda’s Insights 2024 report, which found the gender pay equity gap has fallen from 5.6% in 2023 to 0.4% in 2024. The report used data from 43 organisations that have signed the Diversity Agenda Accord, which requires signatories to share data annually, making them publicly accountable for their commitment to diversity.
The Diversity Agenda is a joint initiative from Engineering New Zealand, ACE New Zealand and Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects. It aims to help engineering and architecture firms become more diverse and inclusive for all – women, Māori, Pacific Peoples, LGBTQIA+, disabled, neurodiverse and other minority groups.
“As a founding member of the Diversity Agenda and a signatory to the Accord, it’s great to see the progress that’s been made closing the gender pay equity gap,” said Dr Richard Templer, Engineering New Zealand’s Chief Executive.
However, the report also highlighted the need to increase the number of women entering the professions.
“There’s still work to be done – and we see this echoed in our own member surveys,” said Richard. “The pay equity gap in engineering remains significant right from the start of women’s careers, and women leave the profession at a higher rate than men.
“But I’m heartened this new report shows positive change is possible, and I’m proud to lead an organisation that will continue to build upon this success and work towards a more inclusive industry,” he said.
