Unequal Pay

How would you feel if you were putting immense effort into your work while men could be doing the same or even less work and still be making more money than you? Recent studies done in 2018 have shown that a women makes 80 cents for every dollar a man makes (Knowles). This may not sound like a lot because it is a 20 cent increase but it adds up over time leaving women behind in the work industry. One vital discrimination problem the world is facing, takes place in the workplace, women who are equally trained and educated, with the same experience as men are not getting equal pay.

Over the generations society’s outlook on women has changed drastically, but these changes are not yet done. It will still take a vastly long time for the necessary changes to occur. The stereotypical view of women is for them to be housewives. Their duties are to take care of the children and home, to clean the home, to do dishes, laundry, as well as feed and raise the children that is to name a few.

A women's role has changed vastly and is making its greatest impact in our society today. Years ago, women's contribution to society had boundaries and was dominated by men. Women are rising high and are playing a major role in many important areas. Women's role has developed at an accelerating rate and have part in areas such as Politics, Professional Training Jobs, Medicine, Business and Law. Previously they were not part of any political matter, but they have improved in many aspects. For instance, women have acquired power and have been spreading in political office.

World War 1 however, required many women to undertake the roles of men meaning that they would now have to enter the workforce (Baughman). This war caused many women to step out of their “comfort zone”, of fulfilling the duty of completing household chores. Women were recruited into jobs vacated by men who had gone to fight in the war. They were paid less than the men who they replaced, which led to the first campaigns for equal pay “World.”

Furthermore, during World War 2 the issue of unequal pay began to rise again by women workers and trade unions. Unfortunately, after the men returned from the war, women were forced to give up their jobs, because of this the number of women workers started to slowly dwindle. Women left started to take up jobs that consisted of repetitive labor and had really low pay, or else their benefits from the government would be cut. The journey of women’s employment was similar during both World War 1 and 2. “World”

The Equal Pay Act was a major event that led to the start of women working just as men to earn a compensation“Equal Pay Act Of”. The Equal Pay Act was worded in such a way that made certain that women doing the same work as men would receive wages. The Act explains how “no employer should discriminate their employees, within the basis of sex by paying wages to employees in a rate less than he pays to employees of the opposite sex”. The performance between both genders on equal skill, effort, and responsibility, completed under similar working conditions should be what determines the pay, not the gender of the person completing the task. (Varnell)

The Equal Pay Act was not the only significant resource that helped women to find a place in the workforce and make money. The Title VII prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of gender “Sex”. This was very important because it was a huge stepping stone for the process of equal rights for women. The Title VII is actually considered to be the most important law for equal opportunities because it is very broad and covers everything. The Title VII’s main purpose is in prohibiting discrimination in employment by employers based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin “Sex.”

One very crucial person who initiated the movement toward women’s equal pay rights and began the Equal Pay Act was John F. Kennedy. Kennedy ordered federal agencies to end sex discrimination in hiring. Then, in 1963, he signed into law the historic Equal Pay Act, which prohibited “discrimination on account of sex in the payment of wages by employers” “Equal Act Becomes.” He is a very significant person throughout the process of women earning their pay rights because he is the one who allowed the whole act to begin. Women’s voices started being heard through President Kennedy. This means that since women were not really heard out because their opinions did not really matter, but through someone who held a higher position, in this case kennedy allowed for their beliefs to be heard.

Women have shown tolerance throughout their fight to earn equal pay rights. They have faced many challenges, ups and downs through the process but they have come a long way. From being housewives to actually having a job and providing for their family. They have shown a willingness to not only accept what was going on but to fight for what they believed in which in their case was rights to equal pay. They never gave up even throughout the wars where they were faced with the constant battle to keep there job secure. Overall, women have really left a positive mark on the world.

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