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From:Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

A year after joining the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment brings Coalition members, Government, EU Member States, employers, and unions together for International Equal Pay Day. International Equal Pay Day raises awareness of the global issue of unequal pay between men and women. It highlights both the persistent gender pay gap and the need to actively reduce this gap. Ibec will mark the event by becoming members of EPIC, joining the Irish Government and Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said:

"Joining the Equal Pay International Coalition last year marked a significant step forward in our commitment, as a nation, to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, receive equal pay for work of equal value. I am delighted today to welcome our guests including members of the Coalition, as well as EU colleagues and the social partners, to mark International Equal Pay Day with us.“It is a significant development that Ibec have committed to joining the Coalition in tandem with this event. Ibec will now join the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Irish Government on the Coalition, uniting Ireland’s social partners in a shared commitment to advance this vital agenda."

Gilbert Houngbo, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General, said:

"Equal pay is a matter of rights, principle, equality and social justice. Through social dialogue, governments, employers and workers can remove structural barriers and make this right a reality for every woman."

Maíra Lacerda, Head of the Special Advisory Office for International Affairs at the Ministry of Labor and Employment of Brazil and Chair of EPIC said:

"As we mark International Equal Pay Day, we are reminded that equal pay for work of equal value is not just a target—it is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for truly resilient economies. Brazil’s leadership in the Equal Pay International Coalition reflects our deep conviction that closing the gender pay gap requires bold domestic policies, uncompromising transparency, and strong multilateral action. Standing together with Ireland and our global partners, we reaffirm that equal pay must become a lived reality for every woman, everywhere."

Speakers include Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director General; Professor Lindsey Earner-Byrne, Head of Department of History, Trinity College Dublin; and Fabrizia Lapecorella, OECD Deputy Secretary-General. Attendees include representatives from the OECD, ILO (International Labour Organization) and UN Women, as well as the wider EPIC community, EU Member States, employer organisations, trade unions, businesses, civil society and academic institutions.

The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) is led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Women, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is currently the only multi-stakeholder partnership working to reduce the gender pay gap at global, regional and national levels. The Coalition's goal is to achieve equal pay for women and men everywhere. EPIC supports governments, employers, workers, and their organisations to make concrete and coordinated progress towards this goal. The Coalition comprises 67 members, including government entities from 28 countries, international and national employer and worker organisations, international organisations, academia, civil society organisations, as well as the private sector. Ireland announced its membership of EPIC in July 2025 at the G20 in South Africa. Ireland’s accession to the Coalition was a joint initiative between Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Department of Children, Disability and Equality. EPIC’s core policy priorities are strongly aligned with Ireland’s existing policy positions, including closing the gender pay gap and promoting pay transparency. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is a member of the Coalition. In line with the event, Ibec have committed to joining the Coalition also.