Yesterday was Equal Pay Day- A day designed to show how far a woman would have to work into 2011 to make the same amount of money a man made in 2010. Shocking isn’t it? The first Equal pay day was back in 1970 when women were paid $0.59 for every dollar men made. Today that gap has narrowed by only a mere $0.18. Eighteen cents in 41 years?! We’re sure we can do better and here are some of the best ways.
End Wage Confidentiality. While this may keep things drama free in the office, it is also hurting women. How are we supposed to know what fair pay is if we don’t know what one another is making. Check out sites like GlassDoor.com and share your wage information so that professionals working in your same field can negotiate fair pay.
Seek Upper Management Careers. Women who work for other women are more likely to be paid fairly. The more women we get into the HR department and in upper management, the more we can change things from the inside out.
Look for careers in Technology, Math, and Science. These industries have some of the smallest wage gaps in all the industries.
Support Equal Pay Legislation. Call your local and state representatives and tell them how important this issue is to you. Encourage them to vote on laws to end unequal pay.
Make sure you’re treated fairly. Women in the work place deal with a lot more than unfair pay. If you’re having problems in the workplace or have a question about laws or your rights, you can call the 9-5.org Job Survival Helpline at 1-800-522-0925. They are ready to address issues such as sexual harassment, family leave, and pregnancy discrimination.
