Everything You Need to Know About Equal Pay Day

By Tamiera Vandegrift on March 31, 2017

Equal Pay Day is coming up and it is coming up fast! On Tuesday, April 4, the nation will turn their eyes towards the American woman’s paycheck and recognize the pay gap between a woman’s pay and that of a man (Yes, it does exist).

If you are looking for a way to commemorate the day, you have come to the right place. If you are looking for a way to learn more about the history of the day, you have come to the right place. If you are looking for a way to figure out what the heck Equal Pay Day is, yes, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Equal Pay Day.

What is Equal Pay Day?

This is definitely the most important question you could ask. Equal Pay Day is an entire day devoted to raising awareness of the pay gap between genders. Research has shown that women make 0.80 cents for every dollar men earn for the exact same job. This day is designated to point out the inequality and encourage Americans to get involved and fight for equal rights for women. Each year, this event shows how much women need to work into the year in order to earn the same wages a man earns in the previous year.

When is Equal Pay Day?

Equal Pay Day takes place in early April in the United States. There are also Equal Pay Days that take place commemorating women of color. Asian American Women have an Equal Pay Day in March. Native American Woman have an Equal Pay Day in September. African American Women have an Equal Pay Day in August. Latina women have an Equal Pay Day in October.

Image via: www.pexels.com

Where did Equal Pay Day come from?

The fight for equal rights between men and women has been a long and exhausting battle, dating all the way back to the 1800s. In 1848, the first Women’s Rights Convention took place. Hundreds of activists gathered together at this convention to fight for a woman’s right to education and employment, as well as the right to vote.

Years later, the first organized labor advocacy group worked toward fighting for equal pay between men and women. Later, the Women’s Trade Union League was created to help improve wages and working conditions for women in the workforce. Almost a decade later, The Equal Pay Act was put into action requiring employers to pay men and women the same wages for doing the same work.

After advocacy groups and legislations continued to fight for the equal rights between men and women, a silver lining reared its head in 2015, when the Paycheck Fairness Act was written. This comprehensive bill boosts the Equal Pay Act of 1963, but the battle still is not over!

This is why Equal Pay Day exists!

How can you celebrate Equal Pay Day?

There are many ways to be an active celebrator of Equal Pay Day. First, you can contact your elected officials of your state and urge them to take action by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act. Be sure to spread the word among your friends and family and encourage them to do the same thing.

Second, host an “unequal” sale of some sort, selling food or objects with a special price: 21 percent off for women and full price for men. Doing this will establish a dialogue between men and women, showing both sides why the pay gap is unfair. Lastly, do what every angry American does to spread the word about their problems and concerns: take it to the Internet!

Ask journalistic publications to write about Equal Pay Day and its importance to society. The more coverage the day gets, the better.

Image via: www.pixabay.com

Why should you be a part of Equal Pay Day?

If you are an advocate for equal rights among the sexes, this is a perfect way to show your support. Grab your friends and your anti-establishment rage and get started!

Who can be a part of Equal Pay Day?

While it does seem like a battle for women, anyone, and I do mean anyone, can join the battle for equal pay between men and women despite your gender. With 20 cents to make up for, we need as many people up for the battle as possible.

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