Women often earn unequal wages compared to men due to factors like industry segregation, differences in skills and experience, and discrimination. While both male and female employment decreased during the 2009 recession, the drop was larger for men. The gender gap in employment rates narrowed slightly from 2007 to 2008, and women made up an increasing share of the total labor force over time. International organizations aim to promote full employment through improving women's education and job opportunities as well as encouraging a better work-life balance.

1. Global Labor Trends
For women

2. WAGES
• Women often don’t receive equal salaries with men.
• Variety of factors:
- crowding of women in low paying industries
- difference in skills and training
- work experience
- discrimination
- seniority
- job tenure

3. EMPLOYMENT
l With the recession in 2009, employment decreased.
l Men and women were not effected the same.
l Women = 6.3% Men = 5.9%
l Between 2007-2008, the gender gap did narrow slightly
l from 0.4 to 0.3 percentage points.
l Women made up 40.5% of labor force, which was up
l from the 39.9% in 1998.

5. MILLENNIUM DECLARATION
l Modern day organization
l Goal: achieve a new target on full and productive
l employment for all.
l The main route to reaching this is by:
l More education for women
l Women getting more decent jobs
l Men and women sharing family responsibilities
l Changes in labor legislation