Year after year, women consistently identify the lack of equal pay as a top concern that erodes their economic security and perpetuates unfairness in the workplace. The stubborn persistence of pay discrimination—and the need to find effective ways to combat it—demands a comprehensive strategy where everyone can play a role in ensuring that all workers are paid fairly for their work. Moreover, because more than 6 out of 10 women are now the sole, primary, or co-breadwinners for their families, eliminating pay discrimination is critical to families’ overall economic stability. The Center for American Progress is hosting an event to focus on the range of efforts we can all take—including support for vigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, voluntary efforts by employers, and actions employees can take themselves—to make the promise of equal pay a reality. The discussion will focus on strategies to eliminate discriminatory pay practices and promote greater transparency, help workers make more informed decisions about their pay, assist employers who want to improve their pay practices, and ensure that federal enforcement agencies have the investigatory tools they need to root out discrimination.
Opening remarks:
Betsey Stevenson, Member, Council of Economic Advisors
Featured speakers:
Jacqueline Berrien, Chair, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Ed Montgomery, Dean, McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University
Victoria Budson, Founding Executive Director, Women and Public Policy Program, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Amanda McMillan, Equal Pay Advocate
Moderated by:
Jocelyn Frye, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress