Bulldogs walked away from this past Tuesday’s “Women in Wages” discussion feeling more empowered and confident in their financial journey. The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives hosted this lecture in honor of Women’s History Month. The discussion, led by Jeneé Spencer, Director of Diversity Education and Development, helped spread awareness about the wage gap between men and women and gave educational tips surrounding women’s finances. Spencer encouraged young women to not only prioritize and organize their personal financial goals, such as savings, budgeting and insurance, but also to establish their “nonnegotiables” and evaluate the entire package during the job interview process.
Specifically, the young attendees were reminded to have an emergency savings account as well as their own goals that align with their individual values, priorities and financial expectations.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Women earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns.” This gap has gotten smaller over the decades but at an extremely slow rate.
Pay inequity has ripple effects across all industries and career fields. According to Spencer, there is an overwhelming lack of female representation in higher leadership positions, which further feeds the flame of gender bias. With fewer opportunities for advancement, women are left in lower level, lower-paying positions that further perpetuate overall gender disparities.
The wage gap, as discussed in the lecture, can be tackled in multiple ways. Closing the wage gap goes beyond just salary transparency, but also advocacy throughout every level of a company or organization. Discussing pay and normalizing those conversations ensures that women in the workforce are getting paid fairly for their time, energy and talent.
Within the office, there needs to be a firm establishment of partnership, educational resources to reduce gender biases, and authentic connection to grow both personal and professional support networks.
“Community takes community,” Spencer said, reminding the audience that they are worthy and welcome throughout the workforce.
Staff Writer
