What’s at Stake Today

We have a long way to go before equal pay is a reality for women of color. Race and gender wage gaps harm women’s economic security—and their families’—and add up to substantial losses over time. A woman of color who works full time, year round, can lose more than $1 million in income over a 40-year career because of the wage gap.

What’s NWLC Doing?

The wage gap is big—especially for women of color—but we are pushing for real solutions that can close it. First, we must strengthen our pay discrimination laws.  The Paycheck Fairness Act is a bill that has been around for nearly 20 years—there is no good reason that it isn’t yet the law.  Women of color are over-represented among the lowest paid workers, and they deserve a raise: we must raise the federal minimum wage, which hasn’t changed in nearly a decade.  Women of color are also especially likely to both work and care for family members.  Legislation like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the FAMILY Act, and the Schedules that Work Act would address the discrimination women face when pregnant or caregiving and support those who need paid leave, predictable work schedules, and stability for themselves and their families.