According to our Inclusion@Work Calendar, March is all about the ladies. Not only is it Women’s History Month, but this week in particular shines a light on two paradoxical sides of one coin. While Women’s History Month was established to acknowledge and honor the contributions of women, distinctive days like Equal Pay Day and International Women’s Day illuminate the challenges women are still facing, despite their continued innovation and influence in the world today.
According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), there’s still a 16% gap between men’s and women’s wages. This gap is even larger for women of color who are making 56 cents for every dollar that their white, male counterparts take home. In its recent report, The Simple Truth, AAUW argues that the pay disparity isn’t exclusive to women still in the workplace. Their data shows that, in terms of pensions and retirement, women are only receiving about 70% of the benefits that men receive.
Data and days of distinction are great for raising awareness, but we can’t nod at the issue in acknowledgment and simply move on to the next social media post. We have to use that awareness to engender action. Consider your sphere of influence. What can you do locally to give voice to the underpaid women in your community or workplace? If you are an HR professional, what policies need to be reviewed and revised to narrow or eliminate these gaps in your own organization? As a leader or manager, what conversations need to be had to gauge the change that is needed? Can you go a step further and reach out to legislators and local government, encouraging them to use their platforms to elevate these wage disparities?
There is no action too small – even the smallest step leaves an imprint. This March, let’s challenge ourselves to do more.
With appreciation,
Stacey Gordon, MBA
Rework Work CEO
Stacey has enjoyed speaking at a variety of engagements and events recently. Check out these mentions on LinkedIn:
“The Suffolk University Center for Career Equity, Development & Success hosted its inaugural conference with almost 200 attendees … Stacey A. Gordon, MBA, your keynote speech was fire!”
— Adesuwa Igbineweka, Director for Career Equity and Access at Suffolk University “As Black History Month comes to a close, we at MBRDNA are honored to have Stacey A. Gordon, MBA, Founder and Principal Consultant of Rework Work, join us for a virtual talk last week. Stacey addressed How Allies Build Inclusion to help us foster camaraderie and facilitate tough conversations on often unfamiliar topics.”
— Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America“We set a foundation of success defined by Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Access. 
Our wonderful Regional Director and RISE Committee representative, Rhonda Washington, energized our team with Black History trivia and introduced our organization-wide learning opportunity, Inclusion in Action, with guest speaker Stacey A. Gordon, MBA.”
— Chelsea Fisher (Freeman), MA, Project Manager, People & Culture at Easterseals Southern California
“Thank you Stacey A. Gordon, MBA for sharing what it means to achieve a true state of inclusion for our Easterseals Southern California associates. Our associates enjoyed your engaging style, passion in educating what inclusion looks and feels like.”
— Debbie Nix, MBA, SHRM-SCP, Chief People Officer at Easterseals Southern California
Join the ranks and book Stacey to speak to your team or at your next event!
Looking for lasting transformation?
Check out Unconscious Inclusion: The Work Beyond the Workshop.
It’s not just about awareness; it’s about action, evolution, and sustainable change.