This presentation delves into the persistent challenge of the gender wage gap, which has endured despite significant strides in women's workforce participation since the latter half of the 20th century.
Despite endeavors for higher education and longer working hours to secure equitable pay, a substantial gap remains. This research aims to address pivotal questions surrounding its persistence, including why it endures despite advancements in women's education, what sustains it over six decades, and its contemporary status in 2024.
Originating as a political concern in the United States during the 1860s with the rallying cry of "Equal Pay for Equal Work," the gender pay gap dates back centuries. The enactment of landmark legislation such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 aimed to rectify disparities by prohibiting gender-based wage discrepancies.
However, despite such efforts, wage disparities persist, with women still earning 16% less than men on average, and significant gaps observed across various job titles and industries.
Research Questions
This research aims to address five pivotal questions:
- What exactly is the gender wage gap?
- Why is there still a significant gender wage gap between men and women despite the Equal Pay Act of 1963?
- Why is progress toward closing the gender wage gap so arduous?
- How did women begin closing the gender wage gap by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act of 2021?
- What is the contemporary status of the gender wage gap in 2024?
Call for Action
To address this gap, urgent action is needed, including robust equal pay legislation exemplified by the Paycheck Fairness Act. Moreover, efforts to challenge cultural biases and foster work-family policies are crucial to combat multifaceted wage disparities.
Without decisive measures, the gender wage gap will continue to impede women's financial stability and hinder progress toward an inclusive and equitable workforce.
Biography
Dr. Gloria Trueh is the Founder and CEO of United Women Leaders Global Network. She is a dynamic force in the business world, known for her resilience and innovation, and for "Breaking Barriers Building Bridges for Women Globally."
She assists women in the corporate world as they transition to start their own businesses and experience the flexibility they desire. She also helps them launch and expand their businesses in 30 days.
Dr. Trueh is a Business Coach and Consultant, two-time Amazon Best-Seller, International Speaker, Mentor, Pastor, and Entrepreneur. She is dedicated and passionate about what she does. Dr. Trueh has helped more than 100 women start or excel in business successfully during her 20 years as a business owner.