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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In south of America we have the problem, the women earn more less that a man, but we have to fight with this problem. But existing some companies that change, that is so fantastic.
Thanks for sharing, Fran!
In Switzerland we have the problem too. But I see in more and more companies that the change can happen. My employer has already equalize the payment no matter which gender we are.
Thanks for sharing, Michael!
For Sure this is a real problem but I’m lucky, the top management of my company is all pink .. poor men;)
Thanks for sharing, Carmela. 🙂
We do not have this problem in Saudi Arabia . Women get the same rate of salary as men who do the same work. Also, there is no different between women who are not white and others in salary matter because of color.
Thank you for sharing.
Really interesting topic. In Italy unfortunately we still have these differences also in state works.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.