Doing My Part To Help​ Close The Wage Gap

“You have to work twice as hard, to get half of what they have!”

It’s Women’s Equality Day, but we still don’t get equal pay! Since I was young I’ve always been aware of the sad reality that no matter how hard women work; historically we’ve always made less than men, especially women of color. I’ve had a job since I was 12 years old and now working in a corporate environment, it’s important for me to work for a company that pays a fair and deserving rate. Everybody wants to feel appreciated for their hard work and get a salary that reflects it. Since the historic 2017 turnout at the Women’s March; female issues  this and the “Me Too Movement” have gone viral and the wage gap issue has quickly pushed its way to the top of the list. It’s a proven fact across multiple studies that unequal pay for equal work exists between men and women across a wide spectrum of occupations, regardless of location or educational level.

It’s sad that women earn less than men in almost all occupations. Lately I’ve read so many articles about the wage gap issue. I came across the quick figure results of a 2016 study from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, and no surprise …the wage gap problem is a stagnant issue. Estimates that women working full-time on average make about 20 cents less for every dollar made by men are deplorable, and the pay is even less for women of color. The study found that at the current rate of change, the average woman won’t receive equal pay until the 23rd century. The rate of change was estimated to be even worse for women of color. Being that the study shows Black Woman will wait 108 years for equal pay, and Hispanic women 232 years. Honestly, this is upsetting, as a young black woman working a corporate job I’m directly affected by unfair pay policies. So I want to see what I can do to help see real change in my lifetime.

I started doing some research and here are
3 things we can do to create change:

1. Know Yourself, Know Your Worth

Learning how to negotiate pay is super important. I had to learn tips to feel comfortable discussing salary.  Working in a corporate environment it’s important to be subtle but confident. When its time for my next promotion, I want to go in feeling confident with a clear goal of what I’m willing to except. First things first do your research, I did my research and one of the best things you can do is find a salary range for your position, mention key phrases like pay transparency and ask a few questions to try and negotiate other benefits.

2. Contact your Congress Rep
So I decided to find my congressman, and I was suprised at how simple it was. Once I did, I sent a quick little email urging him to support policies that support me. I need to benefit from comprehensive legislation; like the Paycheck Fairness Act. This will ensure equal protection for ALL workers, regardless of employer, industry, or geography. 

3. Get Protected

Vote for state protections, when it’s time. Honestly, I know nothing about the elections except for when it’s time to vote for the President. Most of the articles I read detailed how federal laws for equal pay haven’t been updated in about 50 years, so I’m sure most companies have some sort of existing policies and have loopholes perpetuating unfair practices, so why not vote to have this changed. Check the status of equal pay laws in your state and advocate for policies needed to close the pay gap. Initiate change at the state level and change will progress at the national level.

Now that you know better, do better! If you’re working a job and building career, fight for policies and encourage practices  that will benefit you in the long run. 

Always ON POINT!
–> Olivia