Women's equality payday highlights ongoing fight for equal pay

During a recent government meeting, officials honored the Women's Leadership Council of Cal State University Monterey Bay with a resolution recognizing Women's Equality Payday, celebrated on August 15. This day serves to highlight the ongoing gender wage gap, emphasizing that women, on average, must work significantly longer to earn what men make in a year.

The resolution was presented by a local official who noted that while women's labor force participation is at its highest in decades and the gender pay gap is the narrowest on record, disparities persist, particularly affecting women of color and those with disabilities. The Women's Leadership Council, established in 2003, has been instrumental in supporting reentry students at CSUMB, with its scholarship endowment exceeding $400,000 and over 175 scholarships awarded, including more than $60,000 in 2024 alone.

Ruthie Watts, a representative of the council, expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouraged community members to support CSUMB students. She emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequities through investment and community involvement, reinforcing the council's commitment to promoting equal pay and leadership opportunities for women.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support and engagement from the community, highlighting the collective effort needed to tackle longstanding issues of gender inequality in the workforce.