The Fabric of Inequality: Unpacking the Gender Pay Gap in Türkiye's Fashion Hub

PARIS, FRANCE – February 12, 2026 – A groundbreaking new report has pulled back the curtain on the complex web of factors contributing to a significant gender pay gap within Türkiye's powerhouse fashion manufacturing sector. The insights paper, published by the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), reveals that female workers earn between 15.6% and 17.4% less than their male counterparts, a figure that surpasses the European Union average of approximately 12%.

Launched at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in Paris, the report, titled Unpacking Pay Equity in Fashion: Türkiye, argues that this disparity is not a simple case of unequal pay for the same job. Instead, it is deeply rooted in structural issues, including widespread occupational segregation, the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women, and a critical lack of data transparency that prevents companies from addressing the problem effectively. The findings paint a nuanced picture of a vital industry—one that employs over a million people and contributes nearly 8% of Türkiye's GDP—grappling with economic pressures while facing a new era of regulatory scrutiny from its largest market, the European Union.

A System of Segregation

The GFA report, which drew on surveys of 43 Turkish manufacturers and interviews with trade unions, clarifies that the pay gap's primary driver is how the workforce is structured. The data shows a stark division of labor along gender lines: women are overwhelmingly concentrated in lower-paid, labor-intensive roles such as sewing, production lines, and quality control. Conversely, men dominate the higher-paid technical, mechanical, and supervisory positions that offer clearer pathways for career and wage progression.

This "occupational segregation" creates a systemic ceiling for women's earning potential, regardless of their skill or experience. The report highlights that cultural norms and the unequal distribution of family care responsibilities further entrench this divide, limiting women's access to training for higher-skilled roles and opportunities for advancement that may require longer hours or different schedules.

Compounding the issue is a pervasive lack of visibility. The paper finds that limited measurement and disclosure of gender-disaggregated wage data is a major roadblock. Without this granular information, many companies are effectively flying blind, unable to identify precisely where the pay inequities exist within their own operations and supply chains, let alone implement targeted solutions.

"Pay equity is fundamental to build a fair and resilient fashion industry," stated Federica Marchionni, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, in a statement accompanying the release. "This research shows that gender pay gaps in Türkiye's fashion manufacturing sector are real, but they are also addressable. As progress depends on coordinated actions... GFA will continue to accelerate impact by mobilising the industry toward a more resilient future."

An Economic Engine Under Pressure

The call for greater equity arrives at a challenging time for Türkiye's textile and apparel industry. As a cornerstone of the national economy, the sector directly employs an estimated 1.2 million people and is a critical source of export revenue, accounting for nearly 15% of the country's total exports. It is a key sourcing hub for a slate of global fashion giants, including Zara's parent company Inditex, H&M, Nike, Adidas, and Mango, who rely on its proximity to Europe and reputation for quality.

However, Turkish manufacturers are navigating a precarious economic environment marked by high domestic inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising energy and production costs. They also face fierce competition from manufacturing hubs in Asia. The GFA report acknowledges these pressures, noting that despite the strain, many manufacturers are making "concerted efforts to maintain formal employment, comply with labour laws and protect jobs, demonstrating resilience in challenging conditions."

This economic tightrope walk makes implementing systemic changes difficult, yet increasingly necessary. The report argues that addressing pay equity is not merely a social imperative but a crucial business strategy. Improving wage parity can lead to enhanced workforce morale, lower employee turnover, and increased productivity—factors that build long-term resilience and competitiveness.

The EU Mandate: A New Era of Accountability

Perhaps the most significant driver for change is coming not from within Türkiye, but from its primary customer base. The European Union's recently approved Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is set to transform the landscape of global supply chains. This landmark legislation moves ethical sourcing from the realm of voluntary corporate social responsibility to a binding legal obligation.

Under the CSDDD, large companies operating in the EU—including the major fashion brands that source heavily from Türkiye—will be legally required to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts throughout their entire value chain. This includes ensuring fair wages and addressing gender-based discrimination. Non-compliance could result in significant fines and legal liability.

This regulatory shift makes the GFA's findings acutely relevant. For brands like H&M and Zara, understanding and addressing the structural drivers of the pay gap in their Turkish supply chains is no longer just good PR; it is a matter of compliance and risk management. The report's emphasis on the need for greater visibility into wage practices directly aligns with the new due diligence requirements, effectively providing a roadmap for brands to get their houses in order.

Charting a Coordinated Path Forward

The GFA report concludes not with a condemnation, but with a call for collective action and a detailed set of practical recommendations for all stakeholders. It emphasizes that no single entity can solve this deep-seated issue alone.

For policymakers, the paper suggests strengthening formal employment frameworks, improving oversight of subcontracting, and expanding access to affordable childcare and parental support to ease the care burden on women.

For brands and other buyers, the recommendations focus on adopting responsible purchasing practices that don't squeeze supplier margins to the point where labor standards suffer. They are urged to collaborate with suppliers to improve gender-disaggregated pay reporting and to invest in programs that support women's skills development and create pathways to leadership positions.

For suppliers, the focus is on embedding transparent, gender-responsive wage systems and actively working to break down the barriers that lead to occupational segregation. The report suggests that such investments will ultimately strengthen Türkiye's manufacturing base, enhance women's economic participation, and help secure the industry's position as a reliable and ethical partner in the global fashion market. By taking these collective steps, the industry can move closer to a net-positive future where pay equity is a lived reality for the women who stitch the world's clothes.