We’re working to close the gender pay gap
Sometime in the next 37 to 136 years, the gender wage gap is expected to close. Despite working hard on my patience through recent years keeping at home, I am simply not prepared to wait that long for equality. As it stands, women continue to make 83 cents to the dollar a man makes with some women earning as little as 55 cents to the dollar. Admittedly, I didn’t realize the significance of that date set for Equal Pay Day before I sat to write this. Shockingly enough, this date signifies just how far into the current year women need to work to make the same amount their male counterpart made the previous year. To be more inclusive, it’s broken down even further to encompass a broader sense of women+.
May 3: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day. Asian American and Pacific Islander women are paid 75 cents for ever dollar paid to white men.
September 21: Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Black women are paid 58 cents for ever dollar paid to white men.
November 30: Native Women’s Equal Pay Day. Native women are paid 50 cents for every dollar paid to white men.
December 8: Latina’s Equal Pay Day. Latinas are paid 49 cents for every dollar paid to white men.
How to make sure you’re getting compensated fairly (at a new or current job):
Look for companies that value salary transparency:
If a future employer isn’t being upfront about compensation – RED FLAG. If they aren’t willing to share this information, I instantly think, ‘Why? Is the rate not competitive? Are they trying to sell me the bottom end of their budget?’
Research salaries and know your worth:
Utilize online tools to determine what the fair market value for a position would be and make sure to take into consideration your experience. Try to avoid providing what your salary requirements are until you know the full scope of the role.
Know your rights and speak up:
If you think you are being paid unfairly, you have options. Do your research, contact HR for data and facts, and if necessary, consult an attorney. Negotiating a salary adjustment if your role or qualifications changed since you were hired is another possibility.
As if job searching wasn’t stressful enough, having to take into consideration whether you are being compensated fairly adds a complex layer. For almost 19 years, Dress for Success Austin has provided resources to empower women+ to gain and sustain employment. We have several services and programs to help navigate your way through the various complexities of your job search, interview process, and even throughout your career.
Career Consulting
Spend an hour with one of our volunteers and get targeted help with resume writing, interviewing preparation, and much more. Need help researching the fair market value for a role you are applying for? Book an appointment here!
Path to Employment Mentorship
Get paired with a mentor and spend a dedicated 6 weeks exploring a guided curriculum while crushing your goals and staying accountable. See our program calendar for upcoming cohort dates here.
Professional Women’s Group
Currently employed? Join us for a monthly session where likeminded women get together to hear from select speakers and engage with a community focused on growing their careers. See our program calendar for upcoming program dates here.
You can give women access to the tools, support and confidence they need to fight for fair pay by donating an hour of your salary for our Your Hour, Her Power campaign here.
Resources: https://www.aauw.org/