A This Morning star has received praise for a speech she delivered on the show, highlighting the many ways women still face inequality compared to men.

British TV personality Ashley James, 38, appeared on an ITV segment last Thursday (18 September) to discuss gender equality with hosts Ben Shepherd, Cat Deeley, and Nick Ferrari. The male hosts were utterly puzzled by the notion of 'pink tax'.

The discussion revolved around whether women should pay less tax than men, and Ashley's response was nuanced.

The former Made In Chelsea star explained that although she 'believes in equality' and 'in theory men and women should pay the same tax,' there remain numerous issues that need addressing to achieve fairness.

She enumerated a lengthy list of expenses women incur more than men, such as the 'pink tax,' childcare, and period products, also mentioning the UK's gender pay gap.

Ashley told Cat and Ben: "I don't think women should pay less tax than men because I believe in equality.

"So, regarding the two police officers, one male and one female, earning the same salary, the difference is that she is more likely to leave her job for childcare or caregiving duties, as these responsibilities often fall on women.

"Consequently, her pension contributions will be significantly lower because caregiving is still unpaid and undervalued, even though it supports society and enables others to perform their jobs.

She added: "I believe in equality, which also means I think we should work to close all the existing gaps."

Identifying these gaps, she mentioned the gender pay gap, which reportedly results in men earning 35 per cent more than women annually, as well as a pension gap leading to women retiring with less financial security.

Ashley James has baffled her male co-stars by explaining the 'pink tax' (Instagram/ThisMorning)

Ashley explained: "Firstly, because they still earn less than men on average, and secondly, because they are more likely to take time off. Women, as I mentioned, continue to perform the majority of unpaid labor and caregiving, whether for elderly people or children.

"Even when both partners work equally, studies show that women overwhelmingly do most of the domestic and child-rearing tasks.

"There's also the pink tax, meaning that products marketed to women cost more than those for men - and you can see this through various studies."

The reality star continued to outline additional costs for period products, makeup, which women often wear 'to be perceived as professional,' and finally, nighttime taxi rides for safety amid a 'male violence epidemic'.

However, the concept that left Ben and Nick most bewildered was the 'pink tax'.

Essentially, 'pink tax' describes the practice of charging women higher prices for products and services that are essentially the same as those targeted at men, but with different packaging or marketing, as Ashley elaborated: "This means that products marketed to women are more expensive than those for men. And you can see this and the studies about it.

"Whether it’s razors, deodorant, or more, especially if the packaging is pink. Yet, men's deodorant costs less than women's."

Essentially, the 'pink tax' is where women's products are more expensive than men's (Getty Stock Image)

Surprised, Nick asked: "'No. Does it?!"

Ben, equally astonished, inquired: "Can women use men’s deodorant? My wife uses mine, so why don’t they just buy men's?"

Ashley responded: "Well, many do, but lots of people aren't aware of the pink tax! Moreover, we have hygiene products like tampons that men don’t use."

Ashley concluded: "So, while theoretically, men and women should pay the same tax, we should also ensure fair pay and equal sharing of domestic and caregiving duties."

Her speech clip quickly went viral on social media, with many applauding the ITV star.

One Instagram user commented: "I don't know who she is, but I don't care. PRAISE HER and give her a platform. So well articulated, clear, and on point. Thank you, queen."

Another agreed: "It’s incredible how she can provide all this information while remaining perfectly *polite* and not forcefully imposing it."

A third added: "I think she means she believes in EQUITY, not EQUALITY. She’s considering the specific needs of women versus men, where equality would mean everyone is treated exactly the same."