The Not-So-Simple Truth about the Latest Pay Gap Data

Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics released data indicating that, in 2020, women were paid 83 cents for every dollar paid to men. While the numbers show that the gender pay gap closed slightly, this data point is highly misleading. That’s because the millions of women who lost their jobs during the pandemic weren’t included in the calculation of the wage discrepancy.

Countless women left the workforce completely to deal with child care, homeschooling and other domestic responsibilities. Women of color, low-wage workers and mothers lost jobs at considerably higher rates than other groups. In truth, the pandemic has been an economic disaster for women. Read our statement about the latest data and access our updated report.

Education and Training

STEMEd for Girls: That’s a Wrap!
More than 600 girls and 300 parents and caregivers participated in AAUW’s inaugural STEMEd for Girls program—a virtual workshop series designed exclusively for high-school girls. The girls took part in six 1.5-hour virtual sessions over two months that showcased how accessible and exciting STEM fields can be. Stay tuned for more information about future STEM events.

Applications Open for 2022-23 Fellows and Grantees
We’re pleased to announce that the application period for AAUW Fellowships and Grants is open for the 2022-23 academic year. Follow in the footsteps of award-winning authors, scientists, scholars and trailblazers by applying for educational funding through AAUW. Deadlines run from November to December 2021. Help spread the word!

Latinas and COVID-19
Latinas have suffered some of the most egregious economic and health consequences of the pandemic. AAUW’s new report, "Pandemic Inequity: Latinas and the COVID-19 Experience," highlights the challenges Latinas faced during COVID-19 and provides policy recommendations for fixing systemic failures. It also shares Latinas’ heartbreaking personal stories in their own words.

Leadership

Apply for Election to AAUW Board
Between now and October 29, AAUW is accepting applications for election to its Board of Directors. Board members share our passion for advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Learn more and apply today.

Economic Security

Help Fight for Paid Leave
It’s long past time for the United States to catch up with other developed countries and provide meaningful paid leave and childcare to workers. As Congress works toward their final budget resolution, tell them they must provide greater support to Americans trying to meet the demands of work and life. Take action now.

Introducing Money Smart
With the generous support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, AAUW is pleased to launch our new Money Smart program, a series of free virtual workshops designed to support women in navigating their personal finances. We particularly encourage women of color to join us for information and resources to help address the disproportionate and systemic fiscal challenges faced by Black and Brown women. These include a vast racial wealth gap and wider-than-average gender wage gap. Please share with your networks!

Hispanic Heritage Month 
Hispanic Heritage Month—which extends from September 15 to October 15—pays tribute to generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have enriched our society. Read our recent Q&A with 2010-11 American Fellow Marisel Moreno, an associate professor of Latino/a literature at the University of Notre Dame, to get some insights on contemporary Latina/o/x literature and recommended reading.

AAUW in the News
AAUW’s research on systemic racism and the pay gap continues to garner media attention. In the first segment of the news show Here and Now, AAUW Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer Gloria L. Blackwell talks about why women of color are paid only 63% of what their white, male counterparts make. The show aired twice—Aug. 15 and Sep. 19—on ABC7 in New York.