Latina Pay Day: When Work Is Devalued We All Lose

So many people dream of purchasing a home, a place where they can live among their prized possessions, invite friends and family over, and save enough money to retire, possibly in that very home. Latina Pay Day is for everyone!

This future is being stolen from Latinas who are held back by the gender and racial wage gap. In the United States, Latinas make $0.54 for every $1.00 made by white men, leading to them making 26% less than white women and 46% less than white men. If we do not work to close today’s median wage gap, over their 40-year career Latinas joining the workforce now will lose $1.3 million, and those with a professional degree will lose $2.9 million.  

The gender pay gap by gender and race by Lean In

The gender and racial wage gap is not only impacting families’ potential to pursue higher education, purchase property, or invest in savings. There are everyday necessities—groceries, rent, and school supplies—that Latina mothers, who earn 53% less than white fathers, have a more difficult time affording. 

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research has identified that policy action is needed regarding universal access to paid sick time and paid family and medical leave; immigration reform; investments in affordable, quality care; affordable access to higher education; stronger equal pay laws; and more successful enforcement of non-discrimination statutes. Policy change is not the only way forward, people in their everyday life need to act. 

Are you one of the 1 in 3 Americans who are not aware of the pay gap between Latinas and white men? If you are, now you know. If you were already aware, I can guarantee you have some people to inform. 

Latinas are fighting against the wage gap, becoming entrepreneurs, and impacting the economy. Part of this success is due to their effort creating networks, building community, and speaking their truth.  

Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort recently shared that Latinas are starting small businesses six times faster than any other group. So, by owning 104,000 employer businesses, Latinas create jobs in many industries and generate $125 billion in revenue. 

There is no evidence that the wage gap is closing for Latinas, so there is an immediate necessity for equity-focused policies and allyship. This allyship is incredibly powerful when it comes from white men. The wage gap concerns all of us, because when work is devalued everyone loses. 

This guide offers tips on how to show up for Latinas in your life, specifically in the workplace. 

• Sponsor: Second a Latina’s voice, repost and share their work, and acknowledge their strengths to others. 

  
  

• Promote: Be an advocate for Latinas to be in the room, part of the project, and promoted. 

  
  

• Mentor: Network and build relationships with Latinas in your professional environment. Share your resources, connections, and knowledge. Do the work to understand the value your coworker can provide. 

Trends from 2002 to 2022 indicate it will take more than a hundred years for Latinas to reach pay equity with white men. For the health and prosperity of everyone in the United States, we do not have time to wait until 2207 for equal pay.

The wage gap is not an inevitability, it is a choice. A choice made by institutions and individuals, and one that we cannot afford to keep making. 

Midwest Mujeres invites you to ¡Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Have Value on November 8th. This event is a time to celebrate entrepreneurship, feel the power of storytelling, and demand pay equity. 

Satya Williams is the volunteer newsletter and blog writer at Midwest Mujeres.