Women have been publicly fighting for equality since the dawn of the womens suffrage movement in the mid-1800s. Since then, we have gone from having no choice in our lives and no chance at our own future, to having the opportunity to have it alla competitive education, a job that we love, a family we can both nurture AND support. We are valuable members of American society and we make just as many contributions and sacrifices to commerce as men do. We go to the same schools. We earn the same degrees. We work for the same corporations, doing the same jobs.
So why then, are we still being paid 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man in the same position with similar qualifications?
This past week, our senate decided against the passing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This act aims to close the pay gap and prevent discrimination in regards to pay of not just women, but of anyone. It appears that many of our senators do not feel that this is an issue--some reportedly did not even bother to vote. Senator John McCain went one step further and not only disgraced the many years of women's suffrage, but the entire American culture by insisting that women need more training, not more money.
Clearly, he has never had the privilege of meeting any of The Wild WE members, let alone the average woman of today's world--one who is capable, intelligent, articulate, driven, with plenty of training in a variety of disciplines.
As president and founder of the Wild WE, devoted to the professional advancement of women everywhere, I am saddened by this news. Quite frankly, I'm downright p.o-ed and well...shocked that really, we clearly haven't come as far as we thought since our days of suffrage. Furthermore, I'm upset that during a time of economic uncertainty our government is not taking steps such as this fair pay act to alleviate the ever-increasing cost of living.
I ask that you take a moment to let your senator know that you deserve equal pay and that it is their duty as an elected official to participate in democracy and as a constituent, you demand that they show up to work and vote.
Even if they are in the midst of a presidential election campaign.
The National Women's Law Center has created a quick and user-friendly way of communicating to senators in regards to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that can be found here. Or, you may contact them on your own via the contact information as listed on the U.S. Senate webpage.
Additionally, our charitable partner, Momsrising.org, has created a petition aimed directly at Senator McCain in the event that you would like to share a few choice words with him specifically.
Ladies, it is our responsibility to make sure we receive what we are worth. NO ONE will do it for us. Stand up for yourself and let people know that it is NOT ok to take advantage of you. Let people know that you are worth MORE than they like you are.
Because honestly, if you do nothing about this, it not only effects you, but your children AND your grandchildren. If you can't muster up the courage to do it for yourself, then please, do it for them.
Love,
Ja-Nae
Wild WE President/Founder
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