For African American women, the income gap is even wider at 60 cents to the dollar representing an additional approximate six months of extra work to reach wage parity. Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is about both raising awareness about pay inequality and advocating to fix it. There are various ways for you to advocate for your individual pay equality as well as overall pay equality.
Here are 5 ways you can do your part and advocate for #BlackWomensEqualPay Day:
Spread The Word
It’s important to make sure everyone is aware of not only Equal Pay Day, but Black Women’s Equal Pay Day (July 31), Native American Women’s Equal Pay Day (September 25) and Latina Women’s Equal Pay Day (November 2). Click here to create a personalized graphic to show your support and post on social media. You may also want to host a gathering, or discussion with colleagues to do your part to recognize Equal Pay Days.
Support Policy
Most states have some form of equal pay law or bill. Research what policies are in place or have been proposed in your state and support them! Civic engagement through voicing your opinion to local officials and voting for those who support equal pay can be a lot more effective than you may realize.
Get Rid of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is when high achieving individuals frequently doubt themselves and fear that everyone will eventually find out that they’re a fraud. Falling victim to imposter syndrome may result in accepting less than you deserve. However, it’s important to remember that you are not a fraud. You’ve achieved all that you have through hard work and you deserve to be compensated for it.
Support Pay Transparency
It’s hard to advocate against pay discrimination when you can’t be sure whether you’re being discriminated against. Open dialogue about salaries may be seen as taboo, but it’s essential to helping women address disparities between their pay and that of their counterparts. The Paycheck Fairness Act, if passed, would play a major role in supporting pay transparency.
Encourage all Genders to Help
It’s important that not only women are spreading the word. Allies play a major role in making a difference in almost all cases of injustice. Encourage your counterparts to both recognize Equal Pay Day and advocate for equality on a regular basis.
