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Dear Friends,
March is Women’s History month, an opportunity to commemorate and encourage the study, observance and celebration of women’s vital role in America’s past and present. During this month and throughout the year, we celebrate women’s contributions to society and acknowledge how their integral participation in American life and history was overlooked.
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Even in 2022, pervasive gender disparities exist. Today, for example, is Equal Pay Day, which raises awareness of the gender pay gap. Women must work 74 days into this year to earn the average salary of a man in 2021.
Women earn less than men and must work longer for the same amount of pay.
Nationally, women are paid 83 cents for every dollar paid to men. In Harris County, a study conducted by the University of Houston reveals that the wage gap between men and women is greater, and it highlights that equal pay is a gender and racial justice issue. In Harris County, a White woman’s median income is 69 cents on the dollar compared to (79 cents nationally) for a White man; 63 cents (87 cents nationally) for an Asian woman; 47 cents (64 cents nationally) for a Black woman; and 33 cents (57 cents nationally) for a Hispanic woman. The inequity depicted demonstrates why we must also acknowledge Black Women Equal Pay Day, which does not fall until August, and Latina Women Equal Pay Day, which is in October.
The pandemic has only exacerbated disparities. Nearly 2 million women nationwide lost their jobs because of the pandemic. For Black women, the unemployment rate ticked up last month to 6.1%, double that of white men and women.
These figures are unacceptable. We cannot reach economic equity in the county without ensuring that all groups are treated – and paid – fairly. This takes dedicated work to create good jobs, provide supports for working families to fully access the workforce, and fight for fair representation of women in the workforce and at the tables where decisions are made.
Last week, on International Women’s Day, the County unanimously approved the creation of a Women’s Commission, whose specific purpose is to make recommendations to the Commissioners Court related to economic
opportunities and health outcomes of Harris County women of all races, ethnicities, and income levels.
When we pay women less, we tell them that their work isn’t valued or respected. We cannot publicly declare our appreciation for women and remain silent when we are called to action.
I look forward to the work of the Women’s Commission, and eventually eliminating the need for an Equal Pay Day.
With my highest respect and warmest regards,
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Harris County Precinct One
Downtown Office
1001 Preston, 9th Floor
713-274-1000
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