The law establishing pay equality for men and women performing the same functions in Brazil, approved this Monday, is just “a first step” towards respect and equality, Women’s Affairs Minister Cida Gonçalves told EFE.

“It gives Brazil a new perspective,” the minister said in reference to the law approved by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who began his mandate on Jan. 1 with a strong commitment to gender equality in the face of machismo and domestic violence.

“Know that this government will enforce that law,” Lula declared. in an act held in Brasilia attended by hundreds of women celebrating the sanction. The president acknowledged that there are doubts about the new legislation in some business sectors, but warned that once it came into effectmust not be “breaching” or “outsmarting” the law.

He also asked men and women report any violation of the law and assured that it is necessary “all people are starting to get outraged about inequality, because inequality is not normal.”

The new legislation amends the so-called consolidation of labor laws, which dates back to 1943 and It brings together labor standards to definitively establish the obligation of equal pay between men and women who perform the same functions.

Women represent 51.1% of the Brazilian population and, according to official data, earn about 22% less than men. In addition, they occupy only 37% of management positions in companies.