By Aadya Chaudhary, 17, United States
You may be pondering why a mere high schooler is writing about paychecks when the relevance of a salary to a child's life is minimal; the truth is, I'm terrified of growing up in a world where my work is valued significantly less than my male counterpart. Undervalued to the extent that women statistically earn only 83% of what a man makes. This everyday experience of women across the globe is known as the Gender Pay Gap.
“ I’m terrified of growing up in a world where my work is valued significantly less than my male counterpart. ”
The Gender Pay Gap occurs as a result of a myriad of factors such as race, educational background, ethnicity, and gender. In 1963, the Equal Pay Act was enforced which prevented pay discrimination based on gender. However, over half a century later, for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns 83 cents. It is predicted that from the years 2041 to 2451 that pay equity will be reached; almost 20-400 years from now!
Why is this relevant?
The Gender Pay Gap results in a consequential decrease of jobs held by women. From 2019 to 2020, there was a 5.6% average decline in jobs held by women of all racial backgrounds. Additionally, not only are women affected by lower salaries during their working years, but also after retirement due to the difference in lifetime earnings. Women only get 70% of what men get in terms of retirement income.
We, as women, have one goal in terms of this gap: eliminate it. However, it is first important to understand the underlying causes behind it. Stereotypes in terms of jobs are seen all the time around us - resulting in occupational segregation. This is the perception of certain jobs individuals should have based on gender. Due to this, the potential of so many women is limited as many workforces don't allow the growth of women in the way that they do a man. Overcoming this means a change in mindset; the world must open its mind to the possibilities that can open if individuals are not limited.
So many women have advocated regarding the Gender Pay Gap. Jennifer Lawrence, an actress that holds the heart of so many, opened up about earning 7% of movie profits while her male counterparts earned 9% of the profits. Esther Peterson, a highly respected activist, drafted the crucial 1963 Equal Pay Act. What we learn from these monumental women is that even while the numbers stand against us, we can make a difference; one small step at a time will lead to valuable results. It is important that we don't allow gender to limit incredible earning potential; with the right mindset, we can reach our end goal of equality.
“Even while the numbers stand against us, we can make a difference; one small step at a time will lead to valuable results. ”
How can you make a difference?
There are a plethora of resources to educate yourself and others as well as take action against the pay gap.
AAUW - With the goal of economic security and equity in mind, AAUW consists of detailed reports and research on the pay gap with valuable information. They also have an online course on salary negotiation specifically for college women. They are open to donations and partnerships.
Equal Pay Today - Open to donations.
And the most important - educate yourself and others. With an in-depth understanding of the pay gap, you can create giant splashes in the journey to equality.
“It is important that we don’t allow gender to limit incredible earning potential; with the right mindset, we can reach our end goal of equality.”
In the very end, eliminating the pay gap is significant on the way to equality in our world. By creating awareness of this crucial information and educating yourself and others, we are already closer to equality. One step at a time.
Aadya Chaudhary, 17, is a high school junior in Florida. She's incredibly passionate about girl's rights and creating equal opportunities for all individuals around the globe. She's the co-founder of the international nonprofit uEmpower, impacting 250+ girls in over 27 countries and the founder/CEO of Butterfly Mentoring for youth! She loves the performing arts and has worked in short films and performed in stage plays and musicals. Her other interests are screenwriting, reading, traveling, marketing, and editing—just to name a few!