AAUW responds to wage gap census data
New census data was released Thursday that detailed the latest effects of the economic downturn on women’s earning power.
According to the data, the median income of women declined 1.9 percent in 2008, slightly more than the 1 percent decline in incomes for men working full time.
Here’s how Lisa Maatz, public policy director for AAUW, responded:
“The government’s new report on income, poverty and health insurance coverage shows that the wage gap between men and women working full time remains stubbornly in place.
“In 2007, the average woman made almost 78 cents for each dollar earned by her male counterpart. According to newly released 2008 figures, that number now stands at just over 77 cents for each dollar earned by a man.
“Given the tough economic times, some might say that women should be satisfied that the gap didn’t widen. However, given that the wage gap has been stagnant over the past decade – in good times and bad – AAUW sees this as a time for action.”
Read more about AAUW’s response to this news. Get AAUW’s policy stance on the issue. Then plan to take action to make pay equity a reality.
