Press Kit
For press inquires, please contact Ximena Leyte Escalante at xescalante@womenemployed.org, or 312-782-3902, x227
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Advocates and Elected Officials Convene on Latina Equal Pay Day to Discuss Pay Gaps for Women of Color, the Impact of COVID, and Ways to Advance Equity
CHICAGO – Today, Latina Equal Pay Day, hundreds of people gathered for a virtual event hosted by the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. “Half-Paid Heroes: Working Women, COVID-19, and #LatinaEqualPay Day” brought together community leaders and elected officials to discuss the disproportionate impact of the wage gap on Latinas and other women of color, how COVID-19 is exacerbating already-existing racial and gender disparities, and what we can all do to advocate for pay equity. Panelists included Illinois State Rep. Anna Moeller; Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed; Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton; Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President and CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción; and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. The event was moderated by Kelly Saulsberry, Director of Policy and Outreach for the City of Chicago, Commission on Human Relations.
“This year, the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition held our annual event on Latina Equal Pay day instead of the ‘average’ Equal Pay Day because the average pay gap doesn’t tell the whole story,” said Barb Yong of Golan Christie Taglia LLP, chair of the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. “We need to lift up all women in this movement for pay equity. And even though we decided to make this shift before COVID-19, the pandemic’s impact on women of color makes the timing of this conversation even more urgent.”
“When we discuss the gender wage gap, it is important to recognize the true barriers Latinas face,” said Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “By holding this event on Latina Equal Pay Day, we put the experiences of women of color at the forefront. Every woman deserves a fighting chance to help their families thrive—something that’s been made even more clear during this unprecedented public health emergency.”
"Latinas, like many other women of color, face the dual impacts of gender and racial discrimination, resulting in wider wage gaps that leave them with less wealth and fewer resources to weather a crisis like COVID-19,” said Cherita Ellens, President & CEO of Women Employed. “They are also more likely to work in 'essential' jobs, and to have lost their jobs in this pandemic. We will never achieve pay equity unless we address the systemic barriers that continue to impact working women of color in this country."
"COVID-19 has amplified the economic disparities in this country that disproportionately impact Latinas and other women of color. For far too long, we have been denied equal access to job opportunities, wages, and promotions," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "The state of Illinois is actively fighting these inequities and this conversation will arm us all with the ideas, resources and networking we need to close the pay gap."
“Women deserve the dignity and economic security that comes with equal pay,” said Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. “I’m proud that my office has taken steps to close the pay gap and offer more opportunities to women, especially Black; Latina and Asian-American women. Let Latina Equal Pay Day remind us that a greater investment in Latina women means a brighter future for them, their families, and all of us.”
"In Illinois we have taken important steps to close the gender wage gap but there is so much more that needs to be done to ensure that all women and in particular Latina and Black women, are paid what they are worth in the work place,” said Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller. “I applaud the organizers of this event for shining a bright light on this issue and bringing us together to discuss this urgent and important topic."
Half-Paid Heroes is the 10th annual event planned by the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. This year, rather than holding the event on the ‘average’ Equal Pay Day, observed in March, we chose to center on the experiences of women of color, who often face much wider wage gaps due to the compounding effects of gender and racial discrimination. While the ‘average’ woman makes 82 cents to the average man’s dollar, Black women make 62 cents to a white man’s dollar, Indigenous women make 60 cents, and Latinas make just 55 cents, on average. Latina Equal Pay Day is the last equal pay day observed in 2020, and by holding Chicago’s event on this day, we recognize that we will not close the gender wage gap until every woman is compensated with equal pay for equal work.
For access to the full program recording, contact Ximena Leyte Escalante at xescalante@womenemployed.org, or 312-782-3902, x227. You can also view the event on Equal Pay Day Chicago’s Facebook page: https://facebook.com/equalpaydaychicago
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About Equal Pay Day Chicago: Equal Pay Day Chicago is a coalition of over 70 organizations, businesses and government agencies with a common goal of eliminating the pay gap. For more information, visit equalpaydaychi.xyz, or follow @EqualPayDayChic Twitter, @EqualPayDayChicago on Facebook, and @EqualPayDayChi on Instagram.
Defensoras Y Funcionarias Electas Se Reúnen El Día De La Igualdad Salarial Para Las Latinas Para Discutir Las Brechas Salariales Para Las Mujeres De Color, El Impacto Del COVID-19, Y Formas De Promover La Equidad
CHICAGO - Hoy, el Día de la Igualdad Salarial para las Latinas, cientos de personas se reunieron para un evento virtual organizado por la coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day. “Héroes a Medio Pago: Mujeres Trabajadoras, COVID-19 y #LatinaEqualPay Day” reunió a líderes comunitarios y funcionarias electas para discutir el impacto de la brecha salarial para las latinas y otras mujeres de color, cómo el COVID-19 está exacerbando las disparidades raciales y de género existentes, y lo que todos podemos hacer para defender la equidad salarial. El panel incluyo a la representante del estado de Illinois Anna Moeller; Cherita Ellens, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Women Employed; La Vicegobernadora de Illinois, Juliana Stratton; Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Mujeres Latinas en Acción; y la Contralora de Illinois Susana Mendoza. El evento fue moderado por Kelly Saulsberry, Directora de Política y Difusión de la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas de la Ciudad de Chicago.
“Este año, la coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day llevó a cabo nuestro evento anual el Día De La Igualdad Salarial Para Las Latinas en lugar del Día de Igualdad de Pago 'Promedio' porque la brecha salarial de promedio no cuenta toda la historia”, dijo Barb Yong de Golan Christie Taglia LLP , Presidenta de la Coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day. “Necesitamos animar a todas las mujeres en este movimiento por la equidad salarial. Y aunque decidimos hacer este cambio antes de COVID-19, el impacto de la pandemia en las mujeres de color hace que el momento de esta conversación sea aún más urgente ".
“Cuando hablamos de la brecha salarial de género, es importante reconocer las verdaderas barreras que enfrentan las latinas”, dijo Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “Al realizar este evento en el Día de la Igualdad Salarial de las Latinas, ponemos a la vanguardia las experiencias de las mujeres de color. Toda mujer merece una oportunidad de luchar para ayudar a sus familias a prosperar, algo que se ha hecho aún más claro durante esta emergencia de salud pública sin precedentes ".
"Las Latinas, como muchas otras mujeres de color, enfrentan los impactos duales de la discriminación racial y de género, lo que resulta en brechas salariales más amplias que las dejan con menos riqueza y menos recursos para enfrentar una crisis como el COVID-19", dijo Cherita Ellens, presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Women Employed: “También es más probable que trabajen en trabajos 'esenciales' y que hayan perdido sus trabajos en esta pandemia. Nunca lograremos la equidad salarial a menos que abordemos las barreras sistémicas que continúan afectando a las trabajadoras de color en este país ".
"COVID-19 ha amplificado las disparidades económicas en este país que impactan desproporcionadamente a las latinas y otras mujeres de color. Durante demasiado tiempo, se nos ha negado la igualdad de acceso a oportunidades laborales, salarios y promociones", dijo la vicegobernadora Juliana Stratton. "El estado de Illinois está luchando activamente contra estas desigualdades y esta conversación nos dará a todos las ideas, los recursos y las redes que necesitamos para cerrar la brecha salarial".
“Las mujeres merecen la dignidad y la seguridad económica que conlleva la igualdad de salario”, dijo la Contralora de Illinois Susana Mendoza. “Estoy orgullosa de que mi oficina haya tomado medidas para cerrar la brecha salarial y ofrecer más oportunidades a las mujeres, especialmente a las mujeres Africo-Americanas; las mujeres Latinas y Asiático-Americanas. Dejemos que el Día de Igualdad Salarial para las Latinas nos recuerde que una mayor inversión en las mujeres Latinas significa un futuro mejor para ellas, sus familias y todos nosotros ”.
"En Illinois hemos dado pasos importantes para cerrar la brecha salarial de género, pero hay mucho más por hacer para garantizar que todas las mujeres y, en particular, las mujeres Latinas y Africo-Americanas, reciban lo que valen en el lugar de trabajo". dijo la Representante del Estado de Illinois Anna Moeller. "Aplaudo a los organizadores de este evento por arrojar luz sobre este tema y reunirnos para discutir este tema urgente e importante".
Héroes a Medio Pago es el décimo evento anual planificado por la coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day. Este año, en lugar de realizar el evento en el Día de la Igualdad de Pago 'Promedio', que se observa en marzo, optamos por centrarnos en las experiencias de las mujeres de color, que a menudo enfrentan brechas salariales mucho más amplias debido a los efectos agravados de la discriminación racial y de género. Mientras que la mujer por 'promedio' gana 82 centavos por cada dólar que gana un hombre blanco, no-Hispano, las mujeres Africo-Americanas ganan 63 centavos por cada dólar de un hombre blanco, las mujeres Indígenas ganan 60 centavos y las Latinas ganan solo 55 centavos, en promedio. El Día de Igualdad Salarial para las Latinas es el último día de igual salarial observado en el 2020, y al realizar el evento de Chicago en este día, reconocemos que no cerraremos la brecha salarial de género hasta que todas las mujeres sean compensadas con un salario equitativo.
Para acceder a la grabación completa del programa, comuníquese con Ximena Leyte Escalante al correo electronico xescalante@womenemployed.org, o 312-782-3902, x227. También puede ver el evento en la página de Facebook de Equal Pay Day Chicago: https://facebook.com/equalpaydaychicago
Para obtener declaraciones adicionales de las organizaciones miembros de Equal Pay Day Chicago sobre este turno, visite https://www.equalpaydaychi.xyz/press.html/#member###
Acerca de Equal Pay Day Chicago: Equal Pay Day Chicago es una coalición de más de 70 organizaciones, empresas y agencias gubernamentales con el objetivo común de eliminar la brecha salarial. Para obtener más información, visite equalpaydaychi.xyz o siga a @EqualPayDayChic en Twitter, @EqualPayDayChicago en Facebook y @EqualPayDayChi en Instagram.
CHICAGO – Today, Latina Equal Pay Day, hundreds of people gathered for a virtual event hosted by the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. “Half-Paid Heroes: Working Women, COVID-19, and #LatinaEqualPay Day” brought together community leaders and elected officials to discuss the disproportionate impact of the wage gap on Latinas and other women of color, how COVID-19 is exacerbating already-existing racial and gender disparities, and what we can all do to advocate for pay equity. Panelists included Illinois State Rep. Anna Moeller; Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed; Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton; Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President and CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción; and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. The event was moderated by Kelly Saulsberry, Director of Policy and Outreach for the City of Chicago, Commission on Human Relations.
“This year, the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition held our annual event on Latina Equal Pay day instead of the ‘average’ Equal Pay Day because the average pay gap doesn’t tell the whole story,” said Barb Yong of Golan Christie Taglia LLP, chair of the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. “We need to lift up all women in this movement for pay equity. And even though we decided to make this shift before COVID-19, the pandemic’s impact on women of color makes the timing of this conversation even more urgent.”
“When we discuss the gender wage gap, it is important to recognize the true barriers Latinas face,” said Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “By holding this event on Latina Equal Pay Day, we put the experiences of women of color at the forefront. Every woman deserves a fighting chance to help their families thrive—something that’s been made even more clear during this unprecedented public health emergency.”
"Latinas, like many other women of color, face the dual impacts of gender and racial discrimination, resulting in wider wage gaps that leave them with less wealth and fewer resources to weather a crisis like COVID-19,” said Cherita Ellens, President & CEO of Women Employed. “They are also more likely to work in 'essential' jobs, and to have lost their jobs in this pandemic. We will never achieve pay equity unless we address the systemic barriers that continue to impact working women of color in this country."
"COVID-19 has amplified the economic disparities in this country that disproportionately impact Latinas and other women of color. For far too long, we have been denied equal access to job opportunities, wages, and promotions," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "The state of Illinois is actively fighting these inequities and this conversation will arm us all with the ideas, resources and networking we need to close the pay gap."
“Women deserve the dignity and economic security that comes with equal pay,” said Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. “I’m proud that my office has taken steps to close the pay gap and offer more opportunities to women, especially Black; Latina and Asian-American women. Let Latina Equal Pay Day remind us that a greater investment in Latina women means a brighter future for them, their families, and all of us.”
"In Illinois we have taken important steps to close the gender wage gap but there is so much more that needs to be done to ensure that all women and in particular Latina and Black women, are paid what they are worth in the work place,” said Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller. “I applaud the organizers of this event for shining a bright light on this issue and bringing us together to discuss this urgent and important topic."
Half-Paid Heroes is the 10th annual event planned by the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. This year, rather than holding the event on the ‘average’ Equal Pay Day, observed in March, we chose to center on the experiences of women of color, who often face much wider wage gaps due to the compounding effects of gender and racial discrimination. While the ‘average’ woman makes 82 cents to the average man’s dollar, Black women make 62 cents to a white man’s dollar, Indigenous women make 60 cents, and Latinas make just 55 cents, on average. Latina Equal Pay Day is the last equal pay day observed in 2020, and by holding Chicago’s event on this day, we recognize that we will not close the gender wage gap until every woman is compensated with equal pay for equal work.
For access to the full program recording, contact Ximena Leyte Escalante at xescalante@womenemployed.org, or 312-782-3902, x227. You can also view the event on Equal Pay Day Chicago’s Facebook page: https://facebook.com/equalpaydaychicago
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About Equal Pay Day Chicago: Equal Pay Day Chicago is a coalition of over 70 organizations, businesses and government agencies with a common goal of eliminating the pay gap. For more information, visit equalpaydaychi.xyz, or follow @EqualPayDayChic Twitter, @EqualPayDayChicago on Facebook, and @EqualPayDayChi on Instagram.
Defensoras Y Funcionarias Electas Se Reúnen El Día De La Igualdad Salarial Para Las Latinas Para Discutir Las Brechas Salariales Para Las Mujeres De Color, El Impacto Del COVID-19, Y Formas De Promover La Equidad
CHICAGO - Hoy, el Día de la Igualdad Salarial para las Latinas, cientos de personas se reunieron para un evento virtual organizado por la coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day. “Héroes a Medio Pago: Mujeres Trabajadoras, COVID-19 y #LatinaEqualPay Day” reunió a líderes comunitarios y funcionarias electas para discutir el impacto de la brecha salarial para las latinas y otras mujeres de color, cómo el COVID-19 está exacerbando las disparidades raciales y de género existentes, y lo que todos podemos hacer para defender la equidad salarial. El panel incluyo a la representante del estado de Illinois Anna Moeller; Cherita Ellens, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Women Employed; La Vicegobernadora de Illinois, Juliana Stratton; Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Mujeres Latinas en Acción; y la Contralora de Illinois Susana Mendoza. El evento fue moderado por Kelly Saulsberry, Directora de Política y Difusión de la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas de la Ciudad de Chicago.
“Este año, la coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day llevó a cabo nuestro evento anual el Día De La Igualdad Salarial Para Las Latinas en lugar del Día de Igualdad de Pago 'Promedio' porque la brecha salarial de promedio no cuenta toda la historia”, dijo Barb Yong de Golan Christie Taglia LLP , Presidenta de la Coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day. “Necesitamos animar a todas las mujeres en este movimiento por la equidad salarial. Y aunque decidimos hacer este cambio antes de COVID-19, el impacto de la pandemia en las mujeres de color hace que el momento de esta conversación sea aún más urgente ".
“Cuando hablamos de la brecha salarial de género, es importante reconocer las verdaderas barreras que enfrentan las latinas”, dijo Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “Al realizar este evento en el Día de la Igualdad Salarial de las Latinas, ponemos a la vanguardia las experiencias de las mujeres de color. Toda mujer merece una oportunidad de luchar para ayudar a sus familias a prosperar, algo que se ha hecho aún más claro durante esta emergencia de salud pública sin precedentes ".
"Las Latinas, como muchas otras mujeres de color, enfrentan los impactos duales de la discriminación racial y de género, lo que resulta en brechas salariales más amplias que las dejan con menos riqueza y menos recursos para enfrentar una crisis como el COVID-19", dijo Cherita Ellens, presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de Women Employed: “También es más probable que trabajen en trabajos 'esenciales' y que hayan perdido sus trabajos en esta pandemia. Nunca lograremos la equidad salarial a menos que abordemos las barreras sistémicas que continúan afectando a las trabajadoras de color en este país ".
"COVID-19 ha amplificado las disparidades económicas en este país que impactan desproporcionadamente a las latinas y otras mujeres de color. Durante demasiado tiempo, se nos ha negado la igualdad de acceso a oportunidades laborales, salarios y promociones", dijo la vicegobernadora Juliana Stratton. "El estado de Illinois está luchando activamente contra estas desigualdades y esta conversación nos dará a todos las ideas, los recursos y las redes que necesitamos para cerrar la brecha salarial".
“Las mujeres merecen la dignidad y la seguridad económica que conlleva la igualdad de salario”, dijo la Contralora de Illinois Susana Mendoza. “Estoy orgullosa de que mi oficina haya tomado medidas para cerrar la brecha salarial y ofrecer más oportunidades a las mujeres, especialmente a las mujeres Africo-Americanas; las mujeres Latinas y Asiático-Americanas. Dejemos que el Día de Igualdad Salarial para las Latinas nos recuerde que una mayor inversión en las mujeres Latinas significa un futuro mejor para ellas, sus familias y todos nosotros ”.
"En Illinois hemos dado pasos importantes para cerrar la brecha salarial de género, pero hay mucho más por hacer para garantizar que todas las mujeres y, en particular, las mujeres Latinas y Africo-Americanas, reciban lo que valen en el lugar de trabajo". dijo la Representante del Estado de Illinois Anna Moeller. "Aplaudo a los organizadores de este evento por arrojar luz sobre este tema y reunirnos para discutir este tema urgente e importante".
Héroes a Medio Pago es el décimo evento anual planificado por la coalición de Chicago Equal Pay Day. Este año, en lugar de realizar el evento en el Día de la Igualdad de Pago 'Promedio', que se observa en marzo, optamos por centrarnos en las experiencias de las mujeres de color, que a menudo enfrentan brechas salariales mucho más amplias debido a los efectos agravados de la discriminación racial y de género. Mientras que la mujer por 'promedio' gana 82 centavos por cada dólar que gana un hombre blanco, no-Hispano, las mujeres Africo-Americanas ganan 63 centavos por cada dólar de un hombre blanco, las mujeres Indígenas ganan 60 centavos y las Latinas ganan solo 55 centavos, en promedio. El Día de Igualdad Salarial para las Latinas es el último día de igual salarial observado en el 2020, y al realizar el evento de Chicago en este día, reconocemos que no cerraremos la brecha salarial de género hasta que todas las mujeres sean compensadas con un salario equitativo.
Para acceder a la grabación completa del programa, comuníquese con Ximena Leyte Escalante al correo electronico xescalante@womenemployed.org, o 312-782-3902, x227. También puede ver el evento en la página de Facebook de Equal Pay Day Chicago: https://facebook.com/equalpaydaychicago
Para obtener declaraciones adicionales de las organizaciones miembros de Equal Pay Day Chicago sobre este turno, visite https://www.equalpaydaychi.xyz/press.html/#member###
Acerca de Equal Pay Day Chicago: Equal Pay Day Chicago es una coalición de más de 70 organizaciones, empresas y agencias gubernamentales con el objetivo común de eliminar la brecha salarial. Para obtener más información, visite equalpaydaychi.xyz o siga a @EqualPayDayChic en Twitter, @EqualPayDayChicago en Facebook y @EqualPayDayChi en Instagram.
COVID 19 DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTS WOMEN BECAUSE OF GENDER PAY GAP
Women of Color Faced Especially Heavy Burden Even Before COVID-19
Equal Pay Day Announcement Press Release (English)
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Equal Pay Day Announcement Press Release (Spanish)
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Chicago to Mark 2020 Equal Pay Day on Latina Equal Pay Day
2/28/2020, CHICAGO –Tomorrow is Leap Day. And even though we get an extra day in 2020, that’s not nearly enough for women’s earnings to catch up to men’s. Women still face an average wage gap of almost 20%, and many women of color face much larger gaps. That is why the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition announces that we will hold Chicago’s 2020 rally to end the gender wage gap on the last equal pay day observed in 2020—Latina Equal Pay Day on October 29th—rather than on March 31st when Equal Pay Day, marking the average gap for women, is observed nationally.
With this move, we recognize that we will not close the gender wage gap until every woman is compensated with equal pay for equal work. While on average, women earn 82 cents for every dollar white men earn, women of color routinely experience much wider wag gaps due to the compounding effects of gender and racial discrimination, and in recent years, some of those gaps have widened. Asian American and Pacific Islander women make an average of 90 cents for every dollar paid to white men, but some ethnic subgroups make as little as 50 cents. Black women make 62 cents. Native women make 57 cents. And Latinas make just 54 cents for every dollar paid to white men. It takes more than 22 months of work on average for Latinas to earn what white men do in 12.
“When we discuss the gender wage gap, it is important to recognize the true barriers Latinas face,” said Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “By rallying on this day, we put the experiences of women of color at the forefront. Every woman deserves a fighting chance to help their families thrive.”
In Chicago and Cook County, where women of color hold the five highest elected offices—Mayor, Treasurer, City Clerk, President of the County Board, and County Clerk—as well as having women of color serving as the state’s lieutenant governor and comptroller—we are proud to center the experiences of women of color in the pay equity conversation.
“The average wage gap number we hear so often doesn’t tell the whole story,” said Barb Yong of Golan Christie Taglia LLP, chair of the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. “On the 10th annual equal pay event that our coalition has organized, we seek to lift up all women in this movement for pay equity.”
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With this move, we recognize that we will not close the gender wage gap until every woman is compensated with equal pay for equal work. While on average, women earn 82 cents for every dollar white men earn, women of color routinely experience much wider wag gaps due to the compounding effects of gender and racial discrimination, and in recent years, some of those gaps have widened. Asian American and Pacific Islander women make an average of 90 cents for every dollar paid to white men, but some ethnic subgroups make as little as 50 cents. Black women make 62 cents. Native women make 57 cents. And Latinas make just 54 cents for every dollar paid to white men. It takes more than 22 months of work on average for Latinas to earn what white men do in 12.
“When we discuss the gender wage gap, it is important to recognize the true barriers Latinas face,” said Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción. “By rallying on this day, we put the experiences of women of color at the forefront. Every woman deserves a fighting chance to help their families thrive.”
In Chicago and Cook County, where women of color hold the five highest elected offices—Mayor, Treasurer, City Clerk, President of the County Board, and County Clerk—as well as having women of color serving as the state’s lieutenant governor and comptroller—we are proud to center the experiences of women of color in the pay equity conversation.
“The average wage gap number we hear so often doesn’t tell the whole story,” said Barb Yong of Golan Christie Taglia LLP, chair of the Equal Pay Day Chicago coalition. “On the 10th annual equal pay event that our coalition has organized, we seek to lift up all women in this movement for pay equity.”
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Statements of Support
Susana A. Mendoza, Illinois Comptroller
"If we want to move our economy in the right direction, we need to close the gender wage gap that persists in the United States. Over a 40-year career, women earn $80,000 less than men for doing the exact same work. Those are lost earnings that could have been used to support a household, put children through college or save for retirement. It’s time to end this disparity."
“Racial inequities persist across the board, when it comes to criminal justice, health, life expectancy, and educational attainment—and equal pay is no exception. Women of color carry a double burden of both sexism and racism,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “At the current rate of change, Black women will have to wait until 2124 for equal pay. Latina women will have to wait until 2233. I am grateful to the organizers of Equal Pay Day Chicago for moving the official date to Latina Equal Pay Day: we need to center equity in all the issues where racial disparities persist, and ensure that women of color achieve the same equality someday—and hopefully someday sooner than 2233.”
Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción
“When we discuss the gender wage gap, it is important to recognize the true barriers Latinas face. By rallying on this day, we put the experiences of women of color at the forefront. Every woman deserves a fighting chance to help their families thrive.”
Barb Yong of Golan Christie Taglia LLP and Chair of the Equal Pay Day Coalition
“The average wage gap number we hear so often doesn’t tell the whole story. On the 10th annual equal pay event that our coalition has organized, we seek to lift up all women in this movement for pay equity.”
Ruth Holst, president of the Chicago branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)
"Student debt is another threat to economic security. Women seek advanced degrees as a way to bridge the pay gap, but find themselves deeper in debt. Women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding student debt in the United States as of 2019."
Elizabeth Toms, President, UN Women USA Chicago
“Equal pay is more than just the money women earn, it’s about the increase in choice, justice, opportunity, and empowerment that extends far beyond individual women themselves and into so much of our society. This is a global fact. UN Women, through the support of UN Women USA Chicago, joins in the fight for equal pay.”
Alexandra Eidenberg, WE WILL Founder
"Pay equity is at the forefront of all of our minds. Year after year, women and people of color are not making the wages they deserve. At a time when we are in a world crisis that is going to bankrupt millions it is again the women and children that will suffer most. We can not continue to stand on the sidelines watching folks work hard every day and not be paid their fair share. WE WILL stands with our coalition partners fighting for pay equity."
Felicia Davis, President and CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women
“The COVID-19 outbreak has only made more clear what we already know, that paying women equitably and providing paid sick time, is essential to the economic vitality of our region and our country. The Equal Pay Day Rally is a way to bring awareness and remind everyone that pay equity and paid sick leave are not just a women’s issue – these issues affect us all.”
Debbie Vietinghoff, President, National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore
Women earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by a man, a gap that is even wider for women of color. NCJW advocates for measures that would help close the gap, including updating and strengthening the Equal Pay Act, barring retaliation against workers who disclose their own wages to co-workers, and prohibiting employers from seeking a job applicant’s salary history. The COVID-19 outbreak adds new fears of illness, job layoffs, and economic insecurity. For over 125 years, NCJW has fought for women, children and families. NCJW will never stop fighting for pay equity.
“Nationally, 71 percent of households with children rely on women’s income for their economic well-being, and so many of the people on the front lines of this coronavirus crisis are women—, disproportionately black and brown women,” said Cherita Ellens, CEO of Women Employed. “They are healthcare workers, grocery clerks, cleaners, child care providers, food service workers, and caregivers. Their jobs are low paid, and many don’t have access to paid sick time or paid family and medical leave. In this moment, we have the power to act and use a gender-equity lens in creating new public policy and corporate solutions that ensure women and their families aren't left behind even more.”
"If we want to move our economy in the right direction, we need to close the gender wage gap that persists in the United States. Over a 40-year career, women earn $80,000 less than men for doing the exact same work. Those are lost earnings that could have been used to support a household, put children through college or save for retirement. It’s time to end this disparity."
“Racial inequities persist across the board, when it comes to criminal justice, health, life expectancy, and educational attainment—and equal pay is no exception. Women of color carry a double burden of both sexism and racism,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “At the current rate of change, Black women will have to wait until 2124 for equal pay. Latina women will have to wait until 2233. I am grateful to the organizers of Equal Pay Day Chicago for moving the official date to Latina Equal Pay Day: we need to center equity in all the issues where racial disparities persist, and ensure that women of color achieve the same equality someday—and hopefully someday sooner than 2233.”
Linda Xóchitl Tortolero, President & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción
“When we discuss the gender wage gap, it is important to recognize the true barriers Latinas face. By rallying on this day, we put the experiences of women of color at the forefront. Every woman deserves a fighting chance to help their families thrive.”
Barb Yong of Golan Christie Taglia LLP and Chair of the Equal Pay Day Coalition
“The average wage gap number we hear so often doesn’t tell the whole story. On the 10th annual equal pay event that our coalition has organized, we seek to lift up all women in this movement for pay equity.”
Ruth Holst, president of the Chicago branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)
"Student debt is another threat to economic security. Women seek advanced degrees as a way to bridge the pay gap, but find themselves deeper in debt. Women hold nearly two-thirds of the outstanding student debt in the United States as of 2019."
Elizabeth Toms, President, UN Women USA Chicago
“Equal pay is more than just the money women earn, it’s about the increase in choice, justice, opportunity, and empowerment that extends far beyond individual women themselves and into so much of our society. This is a global fact. UN Women, through the support of UN Women USA Chicago, joins in the fight for equal pay.”
Alexandra Eidenberg, WE WILL Founder
"Pay equity is at the forefront of all of our minds. Year after year, women and people of color are not making the wages they deserve. At a time when we are in a world crisis that is going to bankrupt millions it is again the women and children that will suffer most. We can not continue to stand on the sidelines watching folks work hard every day and not be paid their fair share. WE WILL stands with our coalition partners fighting for pay equity."
Felicia Davis, President and CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women
“The COVID-19 outbreak has only made more clear what we already know, that paying women equitably and providing paid sick time, is essential to the economic vitality of our region and our country. The Equal Pay Day Rally is a way to bring awareness and remind everyone that pay equity and paid sick leave are not just a women’s issue – these issues affect us all.”
Debbie Vietinghoff, President, National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore
Women earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by a man, a gap that is even wider for women of color. NCJW advocates for measures that would help close the gap, including updating and strengthening the Equal Pay Act, barring retaliation against workers who disclose their own wages to co-workers, and prohibiting employers from seeking a job applicant’s salary history. The COVID-19 outbreak adds new fears of illness, job layoffs, and economic insecurity. For over 125 years, NCJW has fought for women, children and families. NCJW will never stop fighting for pay equity.
“Nationally, 71 percent of households with children rely on women’s income for their economic well-being, and so many of the people on the front lines of this coronavirus crisis are women—, disproportionately black and brown women,” said Cherita Ellens, CEO of Women Employed. “They are healthcare workers, grocery clerks, cleaners, child care providers, food service workers, and caregivers. Their jobs are low paid, and many don’t have access to paid sick time or paid family and medical leave. In this moment, we have the power to act and use a gender-equity lens in creating new public policy and corporate solutions that ensure women and their families aren't left behind even more.”