In 2017, the wage gap between men and women remained a pressing issue, with women often earning significantly less than their male counterparts for identical roles and experience. In response, a cafe in Melbourne, Australia, called Handsome Her, decided to take a bold and unconventional approach to raise awareness about this inequality.
The cafe, which brands itself as “a space for women, by women,” displayed a set of house rules on a chalkboard outside its entrance. Among these was Rule #2, which caught the attention of many: “Men will incur an 18 percent surcharge to highlight the gender pay gap (2016), with proceeds going to a women’s service.” This figure was based on a report from Australia’s Workplace Equality Agency, revealing that, on average, women earned 17.7 percent less than men across various sectors, a statistic that mirrors figures from the U.S., where women earn about 20 percent less.
The decision sparked widespread debate online, with many women expressing support, while some men reacted negatively. Interestingly, after the announcement went viral, several men visited the cafe specifically to pay the additional charge, even contributing extra to the donation jar. “We’ve had men travel across town to visit us and pay ‘the man tax’,” Handsome Her shared on their Facebook page. “Guys, you’re pretty cool.” This level of support from men for gender equality was refreshing, especially given the common dismissals and denials regarding the existence of the wage gap.
In the U.S., the gender pay gap is even more pronounced, frequently surfacing during election cycles. A similar initiative could help drive awareness and conversation about this vital issue here, although the response might be unpredictable. Kudos to Handsome Her for taking a stand and encouraging discussions about equality, resonating not just in Australia but beyond.
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Summary
A cafe in Melbourne, Handsome Her, introduced an 18 percent surcharge for men to highlight the gender pay gap, generating significant debate and support. This initiative not only sparked conversation but also saw men willingly participating to support gender equality.