This week is a big week for moms. As we all know, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. But what many of us don’t know is that yesterday was Mom’s Equal Pay Day.
According to the AAUW, mothers had to work all of 2020 and up through May 5 (yesterday) of 2021 to reach the pay that fathers took home in 2020 alone.
While Mom’s Equal Pay Day represents moms across races, the racial disparity present between working moms deserves attention. Compared to every dollar made by white, non-Hispanic fathers:
- Latina mothers are paid $0.46
- Native American mothers are paid $0.50
- Black mothers are paid $0.52
- White, non-Hispanic mothers are paid $0.71
- Asian American and Pacific Islander mothers are paid $0.90
These numbers make one thing clear: As far as we’ve come, we still have a ways to go. If you’re as uncomfortable with the stats as we are, we urge you to take action.
On April 15, the House of Representatives voted 217-210 to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act with bipartisan support. This critical pay equity legislation now goes to the Senate, where your vocal support is needed now more than ever.
The AAUW makes it very easy to contact your Senator. You can do that here. It takes 30 seconds. Go make mama proud.