Since the Sex Discrimination Act came into force in 1976, the gap between the pay of men and women has narrowed marginally. But the rate of progress toward equal opportunities in the workplace which happened in the 70s and 80s has slowed in recent years and, at the current rate, equal pay will take another 50 years.

The wage gap

The figures speak for themselves - women in full-time work typically take home 17 per cent less than their male counterparts, whilst the gap between male and female part-timers is 38.4 per cent.

Women make up just 11 per cent of directors at FTSE 100 companies, 9 per cent of the senior judiciary and 10 per cent of senior police officers, and the lack of equal pay is most obvious amongst the highest earners.

Why don't women have equal pay?

Many equal opportunities campaigners say statistics such as those above prove that the ?glass ceiling' remains as real as ever and that sexual discrimination is rife.

Sexual discrimination, though, is only one part of the equation. One major reason for the lack of equal pay is an employment structure designed for and by men. Women tend to have more responsibilities at home and generally are less inclined to commit to the culture of long hours present in many British firms.

But there are strategies women can use to turn the tables and get equal opportunities in the workplace. Having the confidence to ask for what you deserve is crucial ? If you are a woman in the workplace, here are some ways you can improve your situation and move towards equal pay.

How to get what you deserve:

When it comes to equal opportunities in the workplace, it seems that some women are doing themselves no favours by over-playing their weaknesses, whilst underestimating their strengths, and failing to ask for the pay rises they deserve.

Whilst sexual discrimination is certainly still in existence in some workplaces, in order to get equal pay there are strategies women need to learn from their male counterparts in order to get what they deserve.

1) Aim high

First of all, a psychological barrier exists for women, resulting in a failure to apply for jobs with higher salaries. One study showed that when a firm advertised a senior management role at ?55,000 a year, they did not get one female applicant. When they re-advertised it at ?35,000, they were inundated by women.

In order to gain equal pay and equal opportunities in the workplace, women need to have faith in their own abilities. Women, it seems, are liable to impose a kind of sexual discrimination upon themselves by not aiming highly enough. When you are applying for jobs, make sure you don't rule out positions just because they have a higher salary.

2) Focus on your strengths

Women tend to talk about their weaknesses and worry about being over-promoted, while men trumpet their abilities and ignore their own weaknesses. In order to increase your chances for equal pay, try to develop a healthy confidence in your strengths and make sure to keep others aware of them. Be aware of your weaknesses but don't dwell on them ? concentrate on your strengths.

3) Ask for what you want

Psychologists say that women in general are offered lower starting salaries, are less likely to negotiate than men and, once in a job, are not as adept at asking for pay rises. If you feel you are being underpaid then you really need to face your fears and have the confidence to ask for what you want.