It is 2017, and the gender pay gap continues to rob women across the country of the equal pay they deserve. While we can certainly deliberate about the cause of the unequal pay, it is difficult to deny its existence.
One silver lining is that the gender pay gap has narrowed in recent years, according to a Pew Research Center report. Perhaps from increased education and awareness among both men and women in the workforce, we are able to take extra measures to help solve the problem. Yet, the problem still exists nonetheless.
For men, one way to help our female coworkers overcome this hurdle is to simply stand up for them in the workplace. Encourage their participation in leadership roles and help them fight for the fair wages they deserve. As women, one way to ensure you receive a fair pay is to thoroughly research what you should be making, and prepare to negotiate for that higher salary.
This is easier said than done, unfortunately. The pay gap is a complex issue that is difficult for any woman to overcome alone. Even after pursuing higher education, women continue to be paid less than men. An AAUW report even found that the gap sometimes even increases with education.
If you believe you are being paid less than your male counterparts due to your gender, you may be able to take legal action as well. An experienced employment attorney can investigate across your entire organization to find more instances of gender discrimination that further bolster your claim. Unless more of us take action against gender discrimination, the gender pay gap may never fully close. While legal action is often the last line of defense, it is unfortunately the only solution many women have.
