Should two people earn the same amount of money for the same job?
That probably seems like a silly question.
But did you know that if one of those people is a woman, she’ll probably get paid less?
That’s why Equal Pay Day is so important.
Equal Pay Day
In 1996, an organization called the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) established Equal Pay Day.
The day, held on April 14 this year, was created to raise public awareness of the gender pay gap: the average difference between pay for working men and women.
Gender pay gap
The gender pay gap creates major problems, such as higher poverty rates for women and their children, as well as less money and benefits during retirement.
The pay gap is a problem for all women—even highly educated ones.
Changing date
The date of Equal Pay Day changes every year. It’s based on how many extra months a woman needs to work into a new year before she’s earned as much as a man.
So, for example, the date April 14 shows that women had to work an extra 3.5 months to earn what a man had made by the end of 2019.
A closer look
In the United States, on average, women earn only 82% of what men do.
It gets even worse for women of colour. Some are paid as little as 54% of a white man’s salary.
Why is there a pay gap?
There are several explanations for the gap. Here are a few:
Motherhood penalty
The motherhood penalty means that mothers receive fewer job opportunities because they’re seen as more distracted and less committed. Data shows that an American woman makes about 4% less for each child she has.
Gendered jobs
In the United States, 15 of the 20 highest-paid jobs are dominated by men; 14 of the 20 lowest-paid ones are done primarily by women—especially women of color.
Fewer management positions
Historically, men have been hired more often than women for management positions, which are higher-paid.
Support change
Educate yourself on the pay gap issues in your country and start discussions with others. Change can happen!
Equal Pay Day Comprehension
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Thanks god that things are changing, and nowadays there are works that pays women as they pay men, but it’s still a lower percent. Women are still fighting for our rights, and we should fight more and more!! I hope one day there are not a pay gap in the world. No matter your gender, your race, your nationality… if you have the capacity of work like anyone else, you should receive the same salary as everybody has!
We need to fight for a fair world for everyone.
I don’t understand This kind of difference between pay for working men and women we’re living in the 21st century ,but it seems to be we are hard to learn it is a pity
It certainly is a pity.
Thank you for your article. It’s really interesting. To be honest I didn’t know about that probably because I’m a man but I’m so sorry to hear that. Have a good day
I’m glad you enjoyed the article 🙂
Hello!!!
It’s a pity what is happening in the wold but, for example, speaking about my case.: I live in Spain (Ibiza island) and I have two restaurants and all the employees have the same pay, men and women. So I am happy for that.
All the best for everyone 😘
That’s great, Eduardo! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
In my opinion, it would be more gender education in the schools and universities. Moreover, it would be organized meetings to sensitize the people. I’m very happy of what Eduardo Navarro has written. And thank Aba English for the opportunity to match.
Thanks for your feedback. 🙂