If we want equal pay, we women have to be our own best advocates

It has been 100 years since women were granted the right to vote and, still, there is much disparity to overcome for us who demand equal rights. To research this issue means to encounter many different mathematical equations for measuring just how big the gender pay gap is, but all the research agrees on one fact: all women consistently earn less than men, and the gap is wider for most women of color.

An article published this spring by the Center for American Progress analyzed the most recent Census Bureau data from 2018, finding a clear loss for women:

Women of all races earned, on average, just 82 cents for every $1 earned by men of all races.

There are many reasons for this gap, and I’m positive you have your own theories. Let’s explore just a few, beginning with the Center’s top concern, called occupational segregation.

“So-called women’s jobs, which are jobs that have historically had majority-female workforces, such as home health aides and child care workers, tend to offer lower pay and fewer benefits than so-called men’s jobs, which are jobs that have had predominantly male workforces, including jobs in trades such as building and construction.”

Some other big reasons for a pay gap aren’t necessarily menacing on the part of employers, but are still frustrating when we look at societal expectations of women.

For example, women often have less years of experience in a field than men. That makes sense when we consider that women often take a break from the paid workforce to raise children, making their cumulative years of service less than a man’s.

Furthermore, women who continue working during child-rearing years have tough decisions to make: chase higher-paying roles and opportunities with more responsibility or seek out jobs with a schedule that can accommodate returning home to families.

Simply put, women sacrifice more to be present figures inside the home.

In my own opinion, it’s no wonder men can do “whatever it takes to succeed,” therefore securing a greater earning potential, because women are dependably picking up the slack at home.

Men can certainly “have it all” if their wives are home raising kids, cooking food, and cleaning the house.  In my mind, these jobs are absolutely as necessary as what the primary bread-winner is doing, we simply aren’t respected as much for doing it (by both men AND some other women, though this is a whole other blog post.…).

Analyzing the problem can go on forever so let’s switch gears and focus on the solution.

In light of all the above, we women must dedicate ourselves to making our own best case for earning the best salary possible.

This week I joined a non-profit named WomenWerk for an Instagram Live interview. I was one of a panel of guests who discussed equal pay for women of all races. I loved brainstorming about this important issue!

Everyone offered fantastic insights over the course of the week.  One particular conversation focused on the power of language in helping women advocate for change. Here are the top five take-aways from the conversation:

1. Aways negotiate your first offer.

You may not get exactly the money you ask for, but it’s important to open a dialogue with your employer about what you would like. Sometimes, you may accept a lower salary because you really need the steady work, and that ok, too. Voicing what you would like to earn allows your boss to know that you value yourself at a certain level and will work to prove yourself.

2. Keep track of your deliverables.

I recommend making a list of what you accomplish, from the number of customers or investors you bring in, to the critical relationships you build. Did you meet your goals? Did you invest extra time and energy above what was expected of you? These all matter when it’s time to re-negotiate your pay. Listing your accomplishments makes it easier for your employer to say yes to a raise.

3. Closed mouths never get fed.

A viewer posted this in the comments during our talk and it truly says it all. I have talked about this before in another form: You get in life what you have the courage to ask for. So, ask for more responsibility. Ask to learn skills that go above your job description. Ask for more speaking roles so you can become more visible within your team. If you let your boss and colleagues know you are there to grow and succeed, you have a better chance of doing just that.

4. Fake it until you make it.

No one feels 100% all the time, but you still have to show up as if you do! Whether it’s a pair of false eyelashes or that extra cup of coffee that helps you feel ready, go for it. The point is, don’t let a bad night of sleep derail your performance. Don’t let an argument with your children cause you to jeopardize your success the rest of the day. As hard as it is, I believe it’s important to compartmentalize other aspects of our life when it’s time to shine.

5. Stop fearing failure.

Failure isn’t the problem. Wallowing in the failure is! Grow your tolerance for accepting your mistakes because the rebound is far more important.

I’m grateful to WomenWerk for hosting me as part of their week-long discussion on equal pay.

Also, thank you to Linda Sarsour, activist, organizer, and fellow mother, for sharing her strategies and brainstorming with me during our live conversation. You can view the full dialogue at @womenwerk.

6598 replies
  23. 123movies
    123movies says:

    Great tremendous things here. I am very glad to see your article. Thanks so much and i am looking forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail? Adelice Garrek Ginelle

    Reply
  24. direk
    direk says:

    sumpah keren banget ini sistem Botika nya, aku baru tau.. kirain bot biasa atau admin biasa aja gitu.. dengan adanya Botika ini bisa praktis banget yaah.. Carena Adolphe Sandry

    Reply
  25. altyazili
    altyazili says:

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next! Merridie Peirce Free

    Reply
  27. yabanci
    yabanci says:

    I do like the manner in which you have framed this difficulty plus it really does provide me some fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, through what precisely I have witnessed, I simply wish when other comments stack on that people today keep on issue and in no way get started on a soap box involving the news du jour. Anyway, thank you for this exceptional point and while I do not agree with this in totality, I value the standpoint. Hendrika Ingamar Jose

    Reply
  28. turkce
    turkce says:

    It is unfortunate that one of the longest rivers in the world is also a very polluted one. Its great length makes it all the more damaging through its pollution. Legislation needs to be strengthened in order to curb pollution of the environment especially by industries. At Climatarians, our global sustainability directory, we showcase and highlight much of the major issues involved in environmental problems. Joann Gregorio Lorrin

    Reply
  70. Harryrob
    Harryrob says:

    “Can I simply say what a relief to discover a person that actually knows what they’re discussing on the internet. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you are not more popular since you certainly have the gift.”
    https://israelnightclub40505.boyblogguide.com/6162547/the-smart-trick-of-%D7%A0%D7%A2%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%95%D7%95%D7%99-that-no-one-is-discussing

    Reply
  74. Harryrob
    Harryrob says:

    “Right here is the right site for anyone who wishes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really would want toÖHaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for many years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!”
    http://israelnightclubcom04715.bloggactif.com/7458014/the-smart-trick-of-%D7%A0%D7%A2%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%95%D7%95%D7%99-that-no-one-is-discussing

    Reply
  88. Harryrob
    Harryrob says:

    “May I just say what a comfort to uncover somebody who really understands what they are talking about over the internet. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people have to check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you’re not more popular given that you surely possess the gift.”
    https://burmaescortnew72838.buyoutblog.com/5925940/how-escort-girl-can-save-you-time-stress-and-money

    Reply
  171. womens designer handbags
    womens designer handbags says:

    After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!

    Reply
  179. wyze camera
    wyze camera says:

    I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

    Reply
  180. cell phones best plans
    cell phones best plans says:

    I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

    Reply
  188. buderus kombi servisi
    buderus kombi servisi says:

    Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply
  192. instagram takipci satin al
    instagram takipci satin al says:

    Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  221. fuga
    fuga says:

    Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  248. temp mail
    temp mail says:

    Forget about spam and advertising mailings.Keep your real inbox clean and secure. 10 Minute Mail provides temporary, secure, anonymous, free, disposable email address for 10 minutes.

    Reply
  251. ip sorgulama
    ip sorgulama says:

    ip adresleri kullanıcıların kullanarak internette gezinebilmelerine imkan tanıyan ve numaralardan meydana gelen , internet servis sağlayıcısı tarafından sağlanan bir hizmettir.İp adresinin takibi çok kolaydır.Bu yüzden VPN , proxy ve dns değiştirme gibi yöntemleri sizlere öneriyoruz.0 güvenli hale gelmeyeceksiniz ancak takiniz zorlaşacaktır.VPN hizmetleri ücretli yada ücretsiz 3. taraflar tarafından sağlandığı için güvenli sayılmazsınız ve bu hizmet ile birlikte başka sitelere giriş yaptığınız şifreler görülebilir giriş yaptığınız sitelerin bir listesi yada aktiviteleriniz başkaları tarafından görülebilir.

    Reply
  260. Sportsbet.io
    Sportsbet.io says:

    I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

    Reply
  262. kripto teknik analiz
    kripto teknik analiz says:

    This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen

    Reply
  285. Aşk Duası
    Aşk Duası says:

    I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.!!!

    Reply
  291. Apk
    Apk says:

    Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

    Reply
  296. Sultanahmet hotel
    Sultanahmet hotel says:

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

    Reply
  308. Sevgi Duası
    Sevgi Duası says:

    It is rare to discover a specialist in whom you might have some faith. In the world these days, nobody genuinely cares about showing others exactly how in this issue. How fortunate I am to have now found such a wonderful website as this. It is people like you that make a genuine difference currently through the suggestions they discuss.!!

    Reply
  316. En Ağır Aşk Büyüsü
    En Ağır Aşk Büyüsü says:

    Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.>>>>

    Reply
  327. Evlenme Duası
    Evlenme Duası says:

    I just want to mention I am newbie to blogging and site-building and honestly liked this blog. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your website . You definitely have perfect articles. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your blog site…..

    Reply
  340. Nerobet
    Nerobet says:

    Nerobet Bölümleri. Sitenin giriş adresinden siteye girdiğimizde sitenin alt bölümlerden oluştuğunu görüyoruz. Nerobet, canlı bahis, spor, e-spor, poker, casino,

    Reply
  348. Köpek Gibi Aşık Etme Duası
    Köpek Gibi Aşık Etme Duası says:

    Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier……!:

    Reply
  357. Aşk Büyüsü Belirtileri Nelerdir
    Aşk Büyüsü Belirtileri Nelerdir says:

    Simply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity to your publish is simply great and i can think you are an expert in this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to snatch your RSS feed to stay updated with drawing close post. Thank you one million and please continue the rewarding work.|…

    Reply
  361. SAGLIKLI
    SAGLIKLI says:

    Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  363. Bağlama Büyüsü
    Bağlama Büyüsü says:

    Thanks for another informative site. The place else may just I am getting that type of info written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I am just now operating on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information..!

    Reply
  385. botoks
    botoks says:

    Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!

    Reply
  415. Restbett
    Restbett says:

    Restbet giriş yapacak kullanıcıların tercih ettiği firma onaylı bir siteyiz. Öncelikle site adresinden bahsetmek gerekirsek 2015 yılında açılmış bir bahis ve

    Reply
  416. esin group
    esin group says:

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

    Reply
  417. esin group
    esin group says:

    This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen

    Reply