An Australian cafe has introduced a 'man tax', adding 18 percent to men's bills, which then goes to women's charities, to highlight the gender pay gap.

Handsome Her, a vegan cafe in Melbourne, also gives women priority seating. The cage's owner Alex O'Brien, says her business is 'for women, by women' but that men are very welcome, adding that the 'man tax' is optional and is only in place for one week a month.

Would LOVE everyones thoughts on this. My friends cafe in #Brunswick, Handsom Her - is for women by women AND an has a 18% gender tax! pic.twitter.com/tVSX3PO4q8

- Paige Cardona (@paigecardona) August 3, 2017

She told Seven News: "If men don't want to pay it, we're not going to kick them out the door. It's just an opportunity to do some good."

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However, she also said, so far, no men have refused to cough up the extra dough.

Alex set it at 18 percent, because it reflects the gender pay gap in Australia, according to 2016 figures from a report by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and stats from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

She continued: "We're bringing it [the gender pay gap] to the forefront of people's minds. I like that it is making men stop and question their privilege a little bit.



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Credit: Facebook/Handsome Her

"One of my friends who works for a not-for-profit women's service was talking about the pay gap and I thought it was a good idea, so we decided that one week every month we would charge men an 18 per cent premium, which we will donate."



Naturally, the 'man tax' has divided opinions with locals calling it a 'brilliant idea' and 'fair', while some Twitter users have branded it 'discrimination' and accused Alex of creating a 'us versus them' attitude.

I think if you want to fight for equality then surely treating everyone the same is the way to go

- Leroy Brown (@LeighroyH) August 3, 2017

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I love it. Especially if it creates an environment where women feel safe

- Erin Riley (@erinrileyau) August 3, 2017





Not a fan. Whilst appreciate highlighting the issue of pay, creating an us and them is divisive. Flip this, and Twitter is in flames.

- Pauloncè (@PJS_84) August 3, 2017

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love it! Spaces for ladies is always great and highlighting the pay gap like this is harder for people to ignore.

- Fiona Cannon (@FiCan) August 3, 2017