March is Women’s History Month and it’s when our country annually celebrates women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. In many other places, like Canada, Australia, and much of Europe, Mother’s Day is also in March.
But that’s not all – we also celebrate International Women’s Day in March, a day to recognize the incredible achievements and contributions of women around the world.
Learning about women’s history is a reminder that even though we’ve made progress, there’s still work to reach true equality. The first step forward is understanding these problems.
Women Deserve Equal Pay
In recent years, media and activism have made gender equality a global conversation. Despite some progress, the gender pay gap persists as a major injustice in workplaces worldwide. Can you imagine working just as hard as someone else, yet being paid less? That’s the reality for many women today.
The persistence of the gender pay gap in 2024 is a slap in the face of progress. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a shocking reality: in 2020, women’s median weekly earnings were a mere 82% of men’s. This translates to thousands of dollars women forfeited annually, simply because of their gender.
And why should this be? Someone’s gender shouldn’t determine how much they earn, let alone make them earn less. It’s an injustice that erodes women’s financial security and independence, impacting their overall well-being and that of anyone who may depend on them for day-to-day subsistence.
Addressing this disparity is crucial not just for fairness, but for economic well-being. Women’s underpayment weakens the economy by reducing spending power. Dismantling this system requires a multifaceted approach. Employers need transparency with clear pay structures and regular audits. Hiring and promotion processes must be demonstrably gender-neutral, ensuring opportunities are awarded based on merit and qualifications, not chromosomes.
Policymakers also have a role to play. Strengthening existing equal pay laws and enacting robust enforcement mechanisms with real teeth will hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices. Until these changes occur, the fight for equal pay remains far from over.
Pregnancy Shouldn’t Stall Women’s Career Advancement
Many countries, including the US allow loopholes that enable employers to discriminate against pregnant women. This results in situations where qualified women are denied promotions, demoted, or even fired simply because they’re expecting a child.
Even basic needs like bathroom breaks or doctor’s appointments can become a battleground. This culture that prioritizes work over pregnancy is not only outdated, it’s economically and socially harmful. When talented women are forced to choose between motherhood and career advancement, everyone loses. Businesses lose valuable experience and skills, and women are denied the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Furthermore, the lack of robust maternity leave policies, particularly in the US, exacerbates this issue. Without adequate time to recover from childbirth and bond with their newborns, mothers are pressured to return to work prematurely. This can lead to stress, burnout, and ultimately, a higher chance of leaving the workforce altogether.
Strong maternity leave policies are not just about supporting mothers and families– they’re essential for fostering gender equality in the workplace and ensuring a healthy, productive workforce.
Let’s Build a More Equitable Future Together
While we’re celebrating women, let’s create a fairer society for today’s women and future generations of women. Let’s fix the problems together – companies, leaders, everyone! Fair workplaces help everyone: women reach their goals and businesses will thrive. It’s not just about women, it’s about society – we’re missing out on half the talent! Let’s build a world where everyone gets paid their worth, no matter who they are. Together, we can make it happen.
Yetunde is smart, kind, and has a lovable personality. A constant learner with an impressive work ethic and terrific creative skills. She is devoted to personal and spiritual growth and she cherishes the company of people, books, and nature.
