How Latina organizations are working to close the gender gap that persists in STEM

 

POSTED ON Oct 30, 2020

 

Before COVID-19 changed the world, the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition announced that it would hold a rally to end the gender wage gap on the last equal pay day in 2020. This year, Latina Equal Pay Day was held October 29—rather than on March 31, marking when the average gap for women is observed nationally.

While on average, women earn 82% of what men earn, women of color experience  wider wage gaps due to gender and racial discrimination. Asian American and Pacific Islander women make an average of 90% of what White men earn.  Native women make 57%.

According to the Equal Pay Today campaign, which works to close the gender wage gap, Hispanic women  must work nearly 23 months to earn what White men earn in 12 months. Latinas typically get 55 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men.

“Indeed, given that this is the last “Equal Pay Day” observance of the year, Latinas must typically work longer,” said Equal Pay Day dot org. “This disparity hurts not only Latinas, but also the families and communities they support.”

Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram used the hashtag #LatinaEqualPay and secondary hashtags #Trabajadoras, and #OwnYourPower2020. Learn amore about Latina Equal Pay Day’s mission

“When we discuss the gender wage gap, it is important to recognize the true barriers Latinas face,” said Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, president & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “By rallying on this day, we put the experiences of women of color at the forefront. Every woman deserves a fighting chance to help their families thrive.”

“The average wage gap number we hear so often doesn’t tell the whole story,” said Barb Yong of Golan Christie Taglia LLP, chair of the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. “On the 10th annual equal pay event that our coalition has organized, we seek to lift up all women in this movement for pay equity.”

Equal Pay Day Chicago is a coalition of over 70 organizations, businesses, and government agencies with a common goal of eliminating the pay gap. Women Employed pursues equity for women in the workforce by effecting policy change, expanding access to educational opportunities, and advocating for fair and inclusive workplaces.