public policy advocacy

Women's Economic Advancement Statement

Introduction

In 2004, women earned on average 76 cents to every dollar earned by men. For women of color the wage gap is even worse. Even though laws such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 protect workers from wage discrimination, the pay gap still exists. Wage discrimination laws are poorly enforced, and cases are difficult to prove and win. Stronger legislation is needed to address the wage gap.

YWCA Clark County has acknowledged the importance of increasing women’s income by establishing an agency goal to increase the wages and benefits of its employees.

Besides wage equity, numerous other factors affect, either positively or negatively, women’s economic advancement and the welfare of their families. These include the minimum wage; access to quality, affordable child care; the availability of affordable health care, welfare policies and programs; tax policy; access to non-traditional (for women) training and employment opportunities, etc. There are still institutional barriers to women moving into leadership positions in many organizations as well.

At the national level, the YWCA has selected Women’s Economic Advancement, along with Racial Justice, as a Hallmark Program. Each local YWCA is charged with implementing the Hallmark Programs, although specific programs vary from one community to another. The intention is not just to raise awareness, but to affect real, meaningful change.

Public Policy Position on Women’s Economic Advancement

YWCA Clark County supports initiatives that increase women’s income, enhance leadership opportunities and increase economic advancement because that empowers women.