12:47, 02 July 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
How can women get equal pay?
Go to prison, of course!
While we at Smiley News are not encouraging women to commit crimes, this is the comedic premise of progressive women’s rights group ZIJkant’s campaign on addressing the gender pay gap.
The 2-minute film transcends languages as it shows a series of women committing petty crimes from nicking paintings at art galleries to casually robbing a jewellery shop.
We get a laugh from the slapstick nature these women purposely try to get arrested. However as the video ends, it shows the women celebrating going to prison while the words on screen share that there is no gender pay gap in prison and a call to action to rid employment of the financial disadvantage women face in the workforce.
Labour or work for incarcerated people is viewed as a rehabilitative or disciplinary activity and pay for it is often decided on the type of work regardless of the worker’s gender.
The gender pay gap has been an issue that feminist movements around the globe have been campaigning against for decades. This movement calls for employers and businesses to be more transparent with pay and support adaptable working patterns.
In the UK, the Trades Union Congress predicts that the gender pay gap won’t close for another 30 years, whereas in the US, the gap appears to be widening in 2026 from the previous year.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Fawcett Society. This is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for women’s rights and gender equality with a history of more than 150 years. Learn more here.
National Women’s Law Center. This US-based nonprofit that fights for gender justice in the courts, in public policy, and in our society. They focus on using the law to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all women. Discover their work here.
Oxfam. This global confederation of non-governmental organisations is dedicated to alleviating global poverty, inequality, and injustice. It provides humanitarian aid during crises and supports long-term development programs, advocacy, and social change campaigns in over 70 countries worldwide. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
