The Dallas Regional Chamber is committed to building a more inclusive community for all. In March, the DRC recognized Equal Pay Day, which highlights the gender wage gap between women and men. On August 3, we are recognizing Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Why August 3? Because it takes the average Black woman, working full-time year-round, eight extra months to earn what the average white non-Hispanic man earns in one year.
According to the Equal Pay Today campaign, Black women on average earn 63 cents for every dollar their white male counterparts earn. Black women face occupational segregation not only through pay gaps, but also through overrepresentation in low-wage jobs. According to the American Association of University Women, Black women make up 7% of the workforce, but 12% of low-wage occupations. Black Women’s Equal Pay Day brings awareness to the pay gap that still exists for Black women and the unique barriers they face in the workplace based on their race and their gender.
There are many steps employers can take to create a healthier work environment for Black women. Employers can reevaluate pay practices to ensure they provide equal pay for equal work. Another step employers can take is through establishing anti-discrimination policies specifically regarding natural hair discrimination, which affects 80% of Black women,
Some progress has been made: Black Women’s Equal Pay day has moved earlier in the year for the past three years, which shows that the wage gap is decreasing over time. It was recognized on August 13, in 2020 and August 22, in 2019. While there has been improvement, more progress must be made to close the wage gap for Black women and other women of color. There are also Equal Pay Days to recognize the unique pay disparities among Hispanic women, Native American women, and Asian American/Pacific Islander women.
Below are some resources to learn more about Black Women’s Equal Pay Day:
Read and Watch:
Events:
Ways to Recognize Black Women’s Equal Pay Day:
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- Complete a pay equity audit and be open about wage gaps that exist.
- Adjust compensation and pay practices to address pay disparities.
- Host a speaker or panel to discuss pay equity and workplace discrimination.
- Explore more resources on the National Committee on Pay Equity
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