Learn, Support & Act
September has arrived with its unpredictable weather and gallons of apple cider. As I look forward to celebrating my daughter’s birthday, I think about the great things that have happened for women (voting rights, banking rights) and I think about the not-so-great things that have happened (abortion rights, maternity leave) and I wonder how things might change in her lifetime. I especially think about the lack of equal pay for women across the world.
This month we celebrate International Equal Pay Day on September 18 to bring attention to the continuing disparity in pay for women and girls.
As noted by the United Nations (UN) women and girls across the globe are paid less than men with an estimated gender pay gap of about 20% globally. The concept of equal pay for equal work spans decades and has been slow to change. Globally, women still earn $.77 cents for each dollar a man earns, are more likely to be unemployed than men and nearly 65% of people above retirement age lack a pension.
Each year, the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) provides a calendar of the day in the year when full-time women workers will need to work to earn what a man in comparable role earns. In 2024, March 12 was the day for white women, yet, for women of color the dates fall later in the year:
- April 3 – Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
- July 9 – Black
- October 3 – Latina
- November 21 – Native and Indigenous Women
As we continue the global fight for pay equity, the UN has developed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 17 in total including: gender equality, quality education, no poverty, and reduced inequalities. The focus of goal #5 is to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, by 2030.”
The SDGs promote the idea of “full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities. I appreciate the inclusion of young people and persons with disabilities in this discussion and hope all genders are one day included.
As a nod to the progress women have made in the workforce, in the US on September 22, we celebrate American Businesswomen’s Day. This day was first recognized in 1949 and formally recognized by Congress in 1986. This is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of women in business across the US and the globe. Many JST graduates have started their own businesses. I applaud you and celebrate your success!
In September, I challenge you to read more about equal pay initiatives, support women-owned businesses and consider what small and large things you can do to promote gender equality.