Controversial Photo Raises Pay Gap Question

A photo announcing the winners of the Under 18 division at last weekend’s Billabong Junior Series contest in Ballito has caused wide-spread controversy this week, and raised the question; why is there not equality in prize money in pro surfing when it comes to the Men’s and Women’s division? “They do the same work, so deserve the same pay,” was the common response to the original Facebook post, which has been shared almost 7000 times and caught the attention of major media agencies around the world. Other responses suggested, “archaic discrimination” was taking place, and Billabong, the title sponsor of the event, were accused of showing “blatant inequality” in the distribution of the prize money – some even suggesting that Billabong offer 50% discount on their women’s range too. Billabong, however, don’t have a say in how the prize money gets divvied up amongst competitors, instead of the World Surf League, professional surfing’s governing body, decide on and distribute winnings. Chad D’Arcy, event license holder of the Billabong Junior Series confirmed this, and more in an official response to the storm the photo had swirled up: “Billabong has always been actively invested in and supportive of women’s surfing in South […]