Dear Editor:
On Tuesday, April 14, 2015, thousands of women from across the United States will join in a national day of action. Women, on average, must work until April 14 of 2015, in addition to the entire year of 2014, to earn the same wages as men earn in 2014 alone. In 2013, white women still only will take home 78 percent of what men in comparable jobs earn. The inequality only increases as we consider African-American women, who made 64 cents to the $1.00 earned by men and Latina/Hispanic women, who made 56 cents for every dollar earned by men. (National Women’s Law Center)
In 2013 women in Pennsylvania earned only 76% of what men earned in comparable jobs. In fact, Pennsylvania ranks 37th among all states in pay disparity. Median earnings for men in Pennsylvania were $50,231 compared to women’s median earnings of $38,368. (AAUW)
I am extremely concerned that so little has been done in our government and in our society to end pay inequity and assure paycheck fairness. I know, however, that concern about issues of pay equity is not enough. Action is required to address some of the most significant factors leading to pay inequity: As a member of AAUW- (name branch), an organization whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls, I will be participating in a series of events (identify your activity, progams…) to raise awareness and support for Pay Equity.
I encourage others to join us in supporting Pay Equity. Wear RED on April 14 to represent how women are in the RED. Speak to your representatives and ask them to support Pay Fairness, living wage, and affordable and quality child-care legislation. Each one of us can make a difference. For more information about AAUW- (name branch’s) pay equity (program/event), go to: (fill in…). Change must begin somewhere. And it starts with your voice!
Sincerely,