[flash]

It is NOT that simple.

When I was promoted to manage 500 staff, many men below me in rank, managing even 5 staff, were making more than I was. When I asked about it, I was told I was not old enough (!) to make that much money, that I didn't need the money as much because my DH made a good income, or that I did not have as much "experience" (in counter to the age comment). Still, I had responsibility and authority, and was awarded multiple times as one of the top women in business.

The men in the organization were never concerned that a woman was worth less, would do less, would not work as hard, or would be distracted by home. They weren't, didn't, and were more respected than their male counterparts, both in technical and in management roles. They just didn't "deserve" or "need" the money.

The irony was when our male HR manager was replaced by a younger female, at half the salary. Guys said, hey, we can get her for half price! The HR female said, hey, you are going to pay me what you paid him. They ended up in a legal fiasco. It's easy to "justify" paying staff different amounts.