What is Women's Equality Day?
Nearly 50 years ago, Congress designated August 26 as Women's Equality Day. This is a day to commemorate the certification of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This day can also be a time we reflect on the hurdles our ancestresses overcame in the face of violence and discrimination.
Ways to Celebrate Women's Equality Day
Take time to be intentional with your Women's Equality Day celebrations. Here are some ways you can celebrate this year:
- Support women-owned businesses. Whether you buy yourself a new Delta Sigma Theta satin jacket from LNO Greek or support a female insurance agent, be deliberate about using your consumer power to support women. The Small Business Administration's website and your local chamber of commerce will have lists of women-owned companies.
- Register to vote. If you aren't already registered, take the time to use the right that women fought hard to earn. Don't let their hard work be in vain; use your voice. Women in politics provide a fresh perspective to the male-dominated arena.
- Learn about women's history. Take this opportunity to brush up on some of the amazing facts about the women that came before us. Looking back at history will remind us of how far we have come (and how far we still have to go).
- Donate to a charity or organization. If you are in a position to do so, donate to a charity or organization that supports women's empowerment.
- Thank the women in your life. Chances are you have at least one woman in your life who has made a significant difference. Let her know! Write a note, send flowers, or simply pick up the phone and call her. The more we support, encourage, and lift each other up, the stronger we will all be.
Where Do We Go From Here?
We have come a long way, but there is still further to go. Women's Equality Day is also a call for women to continue to fight toward full parity.
Women still face a significant pay gap. For every dollar a man makes, women make $0.83.
The pay gap is even higher for Black women, who are at the intersection of racism and sexism. For every dollar earned by a man, Black women earn $0.63. Despite having higher rates of women in the workforce, Black women have a wider pay gap than most other women.
To put that in perspective, a Black woman would have to work 19 months to earn what an average white man makes in just 12.
Ways Women Can Advocate for Themselves at Work
While the pay gap may seem like something daunting and out of our control, there are ways that you can advocate for yourself in the workplace. Being your own advocate will help you on your journey to close the pay gap for yourself. Here are some ways you can advocate for yourself and for fair pay at work:
- Know your value. Before negotiating a starting salary or any subsequent raises, do your research. Find out the going rate for the industry and location of your job.
- Prove your value. Show your employer that you are worth the extra money to them. Keep a journal at work, and update it regularly. List new skills you learn, tasks you perform, duties you are responsible for, and keep note of when you go above and beyond what is required. Keep a record of your positive performance reviews. These receipts will be tangible proof to your employer that you deserve to be compensated more.
- Discuss wages. Employers discourage it because they know you will be able to find discrepancies they don't want to be held accountable for. With trusted people in your network, discuss wages so you can compare and learn if you need to ask for more.
- Network with trusted allies. Unfortunately, your voice might not hold enough weight on its own. Network with trusted allies who can vouch for you and who recognize the value you bring to the company.
- Don't take the first offer. When you are negotiating a starting salary, don't take the first offer. Employers are prepared to pay more than the initial offer; they expect you to negotiate with them. Take them up on their game, and don't be afraid to ask for what you are worth.
Ways Employers Can Close the Gap
Employers have an opportunity to close the gap in their own companies. If you own a company, audit your own pay to your employees. Assess the data and see if there are inconsistencies across similar positions that are held by individuals with differing demographics.
Another way you can contribute to closing the pay gap is by providing the salary of a position upfront when recruiting. This holds you accountable to a dollar amount without giving you an opportunity to manipulate it based on the candidate you choose.
While there is still room for equality to catch up, we can use August 26 as a day to celebrate how far we have come while renewing our dedication to continuing to fight. Who runs the world? Girls!