Black Women and the Pay Gap: 7 Ways to Fight

Every year on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, I stop and think about what this day really means. In essence, it marks the length of time a Black woman has to work in order for her earnings to equal that of a white man for that year.

As of April 2018, per the National Partnership organization, for each dollar made by a white man, a black woman employed in a full-time position makes 63 cents. This is a much wider gap than that faced by white and some Asian-American women. However, Latina and Native American women face an even wider gap, at 54 and 57 cents respectively. According to the National Women’s Law Center, Black women can lose up to $870,000 in potential earnings over the course of their careers.

There are many reasons accounting for this gap, encompassing disparities in child care access, poverty, unemployment, as well as discrimination and harassment, to cite a few. However, despite these, there are a few ways that Black women can fight the pay gap:

Acknowledge the problem

As a Black woman at work, I have not always been aware of the reality of the pay gap. While it has become more widely known in recent years, I have to admit that there was a time when I barely suspected it. From conversations with fellow working women, I know I’m not the only one.

Whether because we’re not aware of it or we choose to ignore it out of fear or convenience, not acknowledging the problem is a problem in itself. The more we’re aware, and the more we do our research around it, the more equipped we are to address it.

Know your worth

As women in general, and Black women in particular, it can be easy to underestimate ourselves and our rightful professional contributions. From settling for sub-par compensation to fearing to ask for what we deserve, there are many ways in which we can unconsciously fail to know and ask for our worth.

It starts with research and being aware of the professional practices in place. What are the salaries for a certain position, in a given industry or business? What compensation and benefit practices are used? What packages are being offered to employees in similar locations, industries or companies? These are all questions that should be researched into and probed to find the corresponding answers. These will also be useful to assess your worth in terms of what is already being done in similar environments.

Be fearless

Fear is one of the major factors nurturing the pay gap. As a result of history, convenience and sheer intimidation, many hesitate to speak up in favor of reducing this pay gap. Some of these fears are certainly legitimate, especially when one’s paycheck depends on our not rocking the boat.

However, it’s important to learn to set aside the fear of challenge, change and even confrontation when necessary to resolve a gap that is unjustly affecting so many women.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

It wasn’t until I was well into my career that I realized the importance of negotiation, along with the art of it. Not negotiating also means leaving money on the table, from compensation to benefits and so much more.

Don’t’ be afraid to negotiate and ask for what you deserve. As stated earlier, it begins with doing your research and truly assessing your professional worth in terms of compensation, benefits and other perks.

Use confrontation strategically

As part of reducing the pay gap, there are instances in which confrontation may occur. However, it’s important to use it strategically and only when necessary. An informed, well-researched and documented approach goes a long way towards establishing the foundation for a healthy and productive conversation.

Vote for equal pay legislation

One aspect of the Black Women’s Pay Gap that is often overlooked is the legislation part. We often underestimate the impact of laws and those who make the laws on what we actually receive in our paycheck.

Being involved and aware of legislation, especially equal pay legislation, is crucial. This is a powerful way to understand the high-level dynamics affecting the compensation system, and most importantly, to positively affect it.

Keep your options open

Career mobility, done well, is also a powerful way to combat the pay gap. Understand that your options are not limited to your current company or pay structure. Do your research and understand the various choices you may have, and how these can contribute to reducing the pay gap.