#Paris #Turkey #Global Fashion Agenda #Pay Equity

Understanding Pay Equity in Turkey's Fashion Sector

A thought-provoking insights paper from the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has recently been made public, titled Unpacking Pay Equity in Fashion: Türkiye. This comprehensive report investigates the factors contributing to the gender pay gap within Turkey's vital fashion manufacturing landscape—a sector that significantly impacts the national economy.

Key Takeaways from the Insights Paper

The report was unveiled during a discreet industry panel at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector, held in Paris. It highlights critical structural issues that contribute to the persistent gender pay gap, estimated to be between 15.6% and 17.4% in Turkey, considerably higher than the EU average of around 12%.

The paper underscores that simply looking at headline pay gap figures can obscure deeper underlying inequalities. Key factors fueling these disparities include occupational segregation, differences in opportunities for career advancement, cultural expectations regarding gender roles, access to training, and varying caregiving responsibilities among genders.

Women predominantly occupy lower-paid roles in production, sewing, and quality control, whereas men are often found in better-paid technical and supervisory positions, perpetuating the wage inequalities. Additionally, the report emphasizes that a lack of comprehensive measurement and transparency in gender-disaggregated wage data impedes the identification and resolution of these disparities.

Economic Pressures and the Need for Action

As the Turkish fashion sector faces ongoing economic pressures, including inflation and soaring production costs, it remains commendable that many manufacturers are focused on maintaining formal employment and adhering to labor laws. This resilience during challenging times demonstrates a commitment to both ethical practices and business sustainability.

However, closing the gender pay gap is not merely a moral obligation; it's also a smart business strategy. Enhanced pay equity can lead to improved workforce morale, stronger retention rates, and increased long-term resilience. Furthermore, with evolving EU regulations and increased scrutiny on supply chain practices, brands sourcing from Turkey are compelled to gain further insights into pay structures within their operations.

A Call to Action

According to Federica Marchionni, CEO of GFA, addressing pay equity is essential for fostering a fair and sustainable fashion industry. She pointed out the findings present a clear picture of the gender pay gap within Turkey’s fashion sector; moreover, these disparities are indeed addressable. Progress hinges on various stakeholders—policymakers must create empowering frameworks, brands should implement responsible purchasing strategies, and suppliers need to establish transparent and gender-responsive wage systems reflecting women's work realities.

The insights paper culminates in actionable recommendations for policymakers, brands, and other stakeholders. Key suggestions include expanding access to childcare services and parental support, improving oversight of subcontracting practices, ensuring better gender-disaggregated pay reporting, adopting ethical purchasing practices, and investing in women's skill enhancement and leadership development pathways. These targeted actions can fortify Turkey's manufacturing base while bolstering women's economic involvement, guiding the fashion sector toward a brighter future characterized by true pay equity.

Unpacking Pay Equity in Fashion Türkiye serves as an important openly accessible resource for stakeholders wishing to understand and improve gender pay equity in the fashion industry. The full report can be accessed and downloaded via the Global Fashion Agenda’s website.