We’re at a time in our lives where we know and believe in equality.
We know we deserve to be treated the same as any man, and earn the same pay. Unfortunately, we also know we’re seriously missing out.
Just last week, the European Commission has revealed that men are paid on average 14.4 per cent more an hour than women in Ireland.
Now one of the most distinguished actresses of our time has spoken out about the pay divide in Hollywood – with the most disappointing response ever.
Despite Jennifer Lawrence taking a stand and writing an essay on her own regret at not fighting for equal pay for her part in American Hustle, Kate Winslet has decided to instead brand talking about money as “vulgar”.
The actress will star alongside Michael Fassbender in the upcoming Steve Jobs biopic
The Oscar winning actress told Newsbeat that the topic is something she’s not comfortable discussing, adding:
“I understand why they [conversations on the gender pay divide] are coming up but maybe it’s a British thing. I don’t like talking about money; it’s a bit vulgar isn’t it? I don’t think that’s a very nice conversation to have publicly at all.
“I’m quite surprised by these conversations to be honest, simply because it seems quite a strange thing to be discussing out in the open like that.”
The actress continued by saying that she never felt a pay divide was an issue for her, saying she’d have simply pulled herself from the situation if it had presented itself:
“I am a very lucky woman and I’m quite happy with how things are ticking along.
“I’m perfectly capable for standing up for myself […] but I haven’t ever really felt like I’ve had to stick up for myself just because I’m a woman.”
While it’s completely up to an individual whether they’re comfortable talking about their salary, it is a little disappointing that a well-established actress with considerable influence wouldn’t use the opportunity to make a lasting difference to younger women.
