Latina Workers Make Less Than… Well, Everyone

By Debbie Baldwin, Digital Media SpecialistToday, we are proud to join in with organizations and individuals across the country to recognize Latina Equal Pay Day. All work is important, but not all work is compensated equally. We stand with our sisters across the YWCA network and beyond to raise awareness of the pay gap that exists for Latina workers, as this day marks the point at which the average Latina worker has to work in order to earn the same amount that a white, non-Hispanic male has earned in the previous year.The gender pay gap affects women of all races, regardless of experience or education. In fact, not only does this gap exist regardless of education, but according to Census data, the gap actually widens with more education. While all women are affected by the pay gap, they aren’t affected by it equally, with Latina workers suffering the worst pay gap of all. Latinas on average earn just 55 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. Here is a breakdown of the equal pay days of this year, thanks to our partners at Equal Pay Today.Each of these dates symbolize how far into this year a woman has to work to catch up to what her male colleagues earned at the end of 2019:

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Equal Pay Day – February 11, 2020
• All Women’s Equal Pay Day – March 31, 2020
• Black Women’s Equal Pay Day – August 13, 2020
• Native American Women’s Equal Pay Day – October 1, 2020
• Latina Equal Pay Day – October 29, 2020

At YWCA, we see firsthand how pay inequity contributes to other systemic issues that primarily impact women. One of those issues is the pervasiveness of gender-based violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as the largest network of domestic and sexual violence service providers in the country, we see every day how finances impact a woman’s decision between staying or leaving an abusive partner. Finances are often cited as a top reason that a woman chooses to stay in or return to an abusive relationship. Several studies have found a strong association between domestic violence and poverty, including a study by Anna Aizer of Brown University suggesting that “decreases in the wage gap reduce violence against women.”Hispanic Heritage Month ended just two weeks ago, on October 15, during which we celebrated the many achievements and contributions of the Latinx community–particularly those of Latinas. Today, that celebration shifts to action, rallying behind Latina workers to demand pay equity. At YWCA, we demand a world of equity, and that can start with equal pay for equal work. Demand a world of equity with us by demanding pay equity for women workers of all backgrounds through our action center.