I ranted a few months ago about my displeasure that in this day and age women (and people of color) are still making less than men for equal work. It seems like the folks at the National Committee on Pay Equity are actually doing something about it by promoting Equal Pay Day. They describe it this way:
"Each year, the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) organizes the national observance of Equal Pay Day to raise awareness about unfair pay for women and people of color in America. Equal Pay Day is observed in April to indicate how far into each year a woman must work to earn as much as a man earned in the previous year. Tuesday symbolizes the day when women’s wages catch up to men’s wages from the previous week. Because women on average earn less, they must work longer for the same pay. For women of color, the wage gap is greater, as shown in our fact sheet. "
I know that there are many theories as to why this condition still exists, despite great gains by women in business. I have my own totally unscientific poll going that says that the vast majority of my female clients, family and friends have a harder time negotiating than their male counterparts.
I think it will take a whole range of solutions to remedy this problem. I choose to do my small part by helping women come from a place of strong self-worth and value when creating a business and preparing for negotiations. And although I still get knock-kneed when negotiating about money, I always push myself to do a little better each time.
If you think unequal pay is a problem and want to do something about it, please wear red on Tuesday, April 25 and support our friends at the National Committee on Pay Equity.
Or if you are a good negotiator yourself, help your neighbor or daughter or mother next time they have to negotiate pay. Every little bit counts!