Washington State's Gender Pay Gap: A Call for Action

0:00It's March 27. This has been Cooper News today, your AI-powered local news. Washington State has the second largest wage gap between men and women in the nation. Women there earn a median $18,545 less per year than men, according to a recent analysis from the national. Partnership for women and families. That's second only to Utah. Today marks equal payday. The 85th day of the year, symbolizing the extra time women must work to match men's previous year's earnings. For women of color, the disparities are even starker. Latina women earn about $37,800 less than white men, while Native American women face a gap of roughly $33,700 based on latest census data. The gap actually shrank a bit to $17,400 in 2023, but a widened again in 2024. Examples with the Washington State Women's Commission, points a male-dominated high-paying sectors like tech and aerospace as key factors holding back, progress.

1:03To tackle these issues, the Commission launched the Activate 3.8 campaign, named for the 3.8 million women and girls in. The state, their efforts focus on inspiring young girls and careers, pushing for better economic policies, boosting retention of black women in public jobs, and helping with salary negotiations and menopause support in the workplace. Stronger support for women means better retention, career growth, and a real shot at closing the pay divide for good.