I'm amazed by the silence of the millions of people on social media in regards to pay equity for women. After all, people nowadays take positions on everything from transgender bathrooms to Dr. Seuss. However, when it comes to whether or not our mothers, wives, and daughters deserve equal pay for equal work…crickets.
For years Actresses in Hollywood complained about the double standards and huge pay disparity compared to their male counter parts. Many men listened and then politely ignored their complaints. We’ve all heard about the “glass ceiling” in the work place. A few companies have made adjustments, but for the most part, there are still too many old white men who think women are better serving coffee than making executive decisions.
As I've watched my daughter grow over the years, I have had the pleasure (or pain) of sitting through countless Honor Roll assemblies. From grade school to high school, these assemblies are dominated by girls. Yet, when it's time for women to earn an opportunity in the workplace, their resumes and experiences are discounted. They are often discriminated against because they have to juggle work and home responsibilities. It used to be easy to ignore the pay inequality between men and women. Men could easily point to the difference in skill level or real dollar value. However, we should ask ourselves why is it the "Men" who are making the decision as to what a position is worth? For example, why should teachers earn less than truck drivers...and before anyone says it, yes I know women can be truck drivers and men can be teachers. However, traditional occupations that women often choose should not come at a discount. Women, who choose to teach, should not have to sacrifice money just because they love their job.
Why is it acceptable that our wives and daughters earn less than their male counterparts? Isn’t it about time that I can look at my daughter the same way I look at my son and tell her that she can be whatever she wants to be? Dream big, reach for the stars, there’s nothing that you can’t accomplish if you just work hard. This needs to be our message to our daughters and it all starts by us standing up to the bullies who tell them otherwise. It’s time that we take a pledge. The women in our lives are just as valuable as men. It’s time we stop patronizing women with Hallmark Cards and flowers, but truly honor them by demanding pay equity in the workplace.
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