Equal Pay Day is April 19
WASHINGTON – In the year 2005 women on the average still don't make as much money as men. Women in Michigan earn less than 70 cents for every dollar a man makes.
In an effort to highlight this disparity, Business and Professional Women/USA is proclaiming Tuesday, April 19 Equal Pay Day. April 19 is symbolic of the day in the new year that a woman must work in order to earn the same wages paid to a man in the previous year. Because women, on average, earn less, they must work longer for the same pay. Over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the average American woman and her family an estimated $500,000 in lost wages.
Members of BPW/USA across the country will mobilize with other womenÕs and pay equity organizations across the country on April 19 to spotlight the wage gap between what women, on average, are paid versus what men are paid.
BPW/USA members will stage events and meet with state and local legislators to call attention to the continuing wage disparity and to educate women and men about solutions to wage discrimination.
According to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau, the average woman is paid 76 cents for every dollar a man is paid.
In Michigan, BPW is holding an "Unhappy Hour" on April 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Frenchie's Sidetrack in Ypsilanti (in Ypsilanti Depot Town at 56 East Cross Street, 48197). The suggested admission is 76 cents for women and one dollar for men. All admission proceeds will be donated to the BPW FoundationÕs Career Advancement Scholarship Program, which awards financial assistance to disadvantaged women who want to further their education.
If you have any questions about the Ypsilanti event email [email protected] or call 734-262-3730.
BPW/USA was founded in 1919 and promotes equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. For more information or to find out about other activities in your area call 202-777-8933, email [email protected], or visit http://www.bpwusa.org.
