Pasifika women face institutional racism, discrimination and pay inequality

Institutional racism, discrimination and pay inequality were just some of the challenges for them.

Saunoamaali’i said, “It’s been known for a long time that Pasifika women are at the bottom of the pay scale.”

The Commissioner also shared her story of finding out that she was being paid $NZ40,000 less than a colleague who was doing exactly the same work.

“I’ve used my case because I feel ok to talk about it, it’s worked out for me but I’m aware that the silence is not because women don’t want to talk about it, it’s because they are scared that if they talk about it that they will be targetted not only with more discrimination but possibly the loss of a job,” she said.

Saunoamaali’i said also discrimination for Pasifika women happens right throughout the hierarchy, “from top to bottom.”

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/390835/pasifika-women-face-institutional-racism-discrimination-and-pay-inequality