The gender pay gap is the difference in average earnings between men and women who are in the same occupation, have the same qualifications and experience, and work the same number of hours.

The gender pay gap is caused by a combination of factors, including discrimination against women in the workplace, women's lack of access to education and training, and women's family responsibilities.

The gender pay gap has a number of negative consequences for women, including less money to spend on their families, a greater likelihood of living in poverty, and a lower likelihood of being able to save for retirement.

There are a number of strategies that can be used to address the gender pay gap, including enacting laws that prohibit discrimination against women in the workplace, providing women with access to education and training, and supporting policies that make it easier for women to balance work and family life.

Economic security is both a cause and a consequence of the gender pay gap. On the one hand, economic security can help to reduce the gender pay gap by providing women with the resources they need to invest in their education and training, and to start their own businesses. On the other hand, the gender pay gap can lead to economic insecurity for women, as they may have less money to spend on their families and may be more likely to live in poverty.

There are a number of challenges to addressing the gender pay gap, including discrimination against women in the workplace, women's lack of access to education and training, and women's family responsibilities.

Government has a role to play in addressing the gender pay gap by enacting laws that prohibit discrimination against women in the workplace, providing women with access to education and training, and supporting policies that make it easier for women to balance work and family life.

Businesses have a role to play in addressing the gender pay gap by adopting policies that prohibit discrimination against women in the workplace, providing women with equal opportunities for promotion and advancement, and offering flexible work arrangements that make it easier for women to balance work and family life.

Individuals have a role to play in addressing the gender pay gap by educating themselves about the issue, challenging gender stereotypes in the workplace, and supporting women-owned businesses.

It is impossible to predict the future of the gender pay gap, as it will depend on a number of factors, including the success of efforts to address the issue and the changing economic landscape.