Over half a century after pay discrimination became illegal in the United States, the persistent pay gap between men and women continues to hurt our nation’s workers and our national economy.
Women working full time in the U.S. are still paid just 83 cents to every dollar earned by men — and the consequences of this gap affect women throughout their lives. The pay gap even follows women into retirement. As a result of lower lifetime earnings, women receive less in Social Security and pensions, having saved just 70% retirement income when compared to men.
Pay equity will remain an AAUW priority until the gap is fully eliminated. We hope The Simple Truth motivates and empowers you to join us in this cause.
The history of the gender and racial wage gaps is inextricably linked to the history of labor in America. From depriving Black women of wages under slavery and its aftermath, to creating lasting disparities in health, education and opportunity for Native women through land theft, to the legal and cultural limitations on women’s ability to earn money, our nation’s story is replete with discrimination and its consequences.
Read the Simple Truth 2021 Supplement
AAUW believes that pay equity and equal employment opportunity are matters of simple fairness. AAUW is a leader in the fight to end wage discrimination and open doors for women in the workplace. See where we stand on important policy issues, make sure you know your legal rights and how to protect them, and join us in fighting for change by becoming an AAUW Two-Minute Activist.
There are lots of ways to get involved with AAUW’s work to advance gender equity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls.
