Which policy measures are most effective in closing the gender pay gap?

• A. Reducing parental leave and outsourcing childcare
• B. Pay transparency, parental leave, childcare support, and anti-discrimination enforcement
• C. Limiting access to higher-paying industries for women
• D. Deregulating wage-setting across sectors

Answer: (B)

Closing the gender pay gap requires a blend of policies that tackle both pay discrimination and the practical barriers women face in the labor market. Pay transparency makes wage differences visible and puts pressure on employers to justify or adjust unjust pay gaps, strengthening accountability. Parental leave policies that encourage shared caregiving help prevent women from being penalized for motherhood and support their ongoing career progression rather than forcing them out of the workforce. Affordable childcare support reduces the cost and logistical barriers that keep women from working or pursuing higher-paying roles. Strong anti-discrimination enforcement ensures that wage equity is not just promised but actively monitored and punished when violated. Together, these measures address pay, participation, and progression across multiple stages of the labor process. The other options either weaken women's participation, fail to confront discrimination, or reduce access to higher-paying opportunities, making them less effective for closing the gap.