Topic discussed in class

Equal Pay For Women




The topic Equal Pay for Women is one that concerns me as an African American woman. My concern is that so many households tend to be run by single women, women with children, and women who may be suffering from disabilities. Unfortunately, the compensation for the hard work performed by this group of women is seldom fair. Per The National  Women's Law Center, women are paid an average of seventy-seven cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts. Women of color, African-american and Latino receive considerably less.  Thanks to President Barack Obama, The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act signed into Law on January 29, 2009 addresses the inequalities that women have been subjected to in the workforce. This happens to be the first piece of legislature signed by the president, and an important one.The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act ensuring that individuals who may have suffered unlawful pay discrimination are able to assert their rights, providing for a 180-day limit to file a claim.  Evidence to prove the unfair practice women have suffered for decades point to the Supreme court case, "Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber".  Ms Ledbetter worked two decades facing discrimination of equal pay as well as sexual harassment.  Ms Ledbetter was clueless of the discriminatory practice been used against her, until she received an anonymous note revealing the salaries of three male managers working in the same capacity, and receiving better pay. She filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Counsel.  Her case went to trial and according to The National Women's Law Center she was awarded a 3.3 million dollar settlement in compensatory and punitive damages for pay discrimination.  I feel this law protects myself, my daughter and all the other women striving to make it to the top of the ladder. Nevertheless, still today,  women are fighting to receive equal pay.