August 26th is National Women’s Equality Day. While some people still insist that the scales balance between females and males in organizations in the US and elsewhere, the reality is that we’re not there yet. Gender disparity still exists in many offices and other workplaces, which is why this day still needs to exist to bring awareness to the issues.
Improvements, and what’s still to do
Throughout the past few decades, huge strides have been made in terms of bridging the gender gap in the workforce. And here are just a few stats to demonstrate the progress in the US:
- Women are more likely than men to have a bachelor’s degree by 29 years old, and
- Are at least 47% of the workforce (US Department of Labor or DOL)
So with all that being said, it can be shocking to learn that typically American women who work full-time and on salary still earn about 81% of men, as per the DOL.
Plus, men are more likely to hold manager-level positions than women are (38% to 62%). Read on to learn more about the issue of gender equality in the modern workplace. Please note that while this post focuses on the US, these issues also are ones that are all too familiar to females in Canada, the UK, and many other parts of the world.
For example, on average, women in the UK earn just 77% of what men earn in the same work role.
Other ways females still aren’t equal in the workplace
Outside of these monetary and status-type discriminations, there are a variety of other ways that us gals experience inequality in the US workforce. It’s important to talk about these problems as not everyone is cognizant about what’s wrong, while others have incorrect facts. Change can only come from awareness.
By looking at what’s wrong, and how much more room for growth still exists, solutions can come for how to create an even playing field for both genders.
Beyond the financial disparities, ladies also deal with two types of gender biases at work:
- Descriptive (or labeling)
- Prescriptive (expected behavior, which can vary by a coworker)
These gender biases, along with the fear of sexual harassment, can make many working environments unbearable for women. However, few females report these instances for fear of being judged or losing their job.
In light of national equality day just around the corner on August 26th, Fundera has put together an infographic that highlights all the issues women still deal with daily, as well as inspiring lessons from women in history and tips employers can implement to help stop this gender discrimination.
Take a look at the visual below and get inspired to make a change!
Infographic for Women’s Equality Day 2019
Please share this post to help spread awareness for Women’s Equality Day 2019 and all of the gender issues involved!
Women’s equality still has a long way to go but it is surely getting better!
True!
I might be late to this post, but then again, every day is Women’s Equality Day!!!
You have great timing, dear Resa, as today is Women’s Equality Day :D This post came a few days early in preparation for it. And YES every day is equal rights day, for gender, race, and ethnicity xxoo
xoxoxoxoxo
Awe!
A 2019 study by Glassdoor Economic Research shows that the gap does narrow if comparing only workers of similar age, education and experience, and further narrows if adjusted to compare only same job title, employer and location to a 4% differential. So, part of the issue is that women are in different jobs than men. I don’t know of any studies that have looked at that aspect, but I’m thinking it’s because women apply for different (lower paying) jobs and that they are not promoted as frequently.
Thanks for sharing the study’s finding. Part of the problem is society’s reinforcement of traditional gender stereotypes, including men being the main breadwinner of the family. Women deserve to have the same top positions, but they don’t usually come to us and certainly won’t if we don’t apply for them. So things need to change on a deeper level, including raising girls to understand their equal worth and that it’s not being a b*tch to ask for a promotion at work. xx
I didn’t know there was such a day, Christy. That infographic is wonderful. I love all the quotes from the inspirational women. Thanks for alerting me to it.
Your feedback means a lot to me, Norah
I once read that this gap exists is because women let it. Women are less likely to work overtime or take higher up positions. Women prefer roles related to taking care of other; like working in nursing homes, teaching, daycare and more. It’s also because women who work higher paying jobs aren’t treated well by society.
Yes part of the message needs to be encouraging women to let go of gender stereotypes and build self-confidence to go for more… Thanks Michelle for adding such a valuable point here.
Most common problem that women face
True xx
So important, Christy, thanks for sharing! Only by working together can we cause change!
I just keep thinking, we’ll get there with more work and awareness! Thanks Amy xx