The need for feminist action is alive and well. Rather than being “over,” feminism has much work left to do in the United States.
“Why be a feminist? Women already have equal rights.”
This question crops up sooner or later for all self-identified feminists, and sometimes it is difficult to put one’s finger precisely on an answer. Knowing that inequality still exists but being unable to point to where and how is frustrating. Several issues are still vital to gaining full equality, and the wage gap is chief among them.
The Wage Gap Explained
The wage gap is the difference between the rate of pay for men and women for the same job performed under the same conditions for the same company. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the wage gap in 2006 between white men and women was a ratio 100:77. In other words, for every dollar white men make, white women in the same position make about 77 cents. When race is factored in, the wage gap widens.
Feminist Actions Related to the Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act, passed in 1963, is the legislative solution to the wage gap, though the act is largely without teeth. The National Committee on Pay Equity’s purpose is to draw attention to various pieces of pending legislation related to women’s pay and to draw attention to the lack of equal rights in the arena of pay. The National Committee on Pay Equity’s board encourages people across the nation to organize events in their cities on a chosen day in April each year. (The day varies because it is based on the amount of time women have worked for “free” compared to men’s pay.)
Working for the NCPE and organizing an event in your neighborhood or city is one way to get involved with the wage gap issue. Planning this event requires contact with the national organization as well as with women throughout your community as you will need their participation. NCPE also encourages local organizers to work with local media outlets to bring attention to this issue.
The Lilly Ledbetter Act is the biggest issue right now related to women’s pay. The act is named for Lilly Ledbetter who worked for Goodyear for 18 years. During that time, Ledbetter was underpaid because she was a woman but found out too late to sue, according to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Ledbetter Act is an attempt to close a loophole in the law requiring suits be filed within 180 days of employment. Calling your representative about this act is one way to take feminist action.
