Tuesday, April 28, 2009

'HAPPY' EQUAL PAY DAY or 'I Want my Million Dollars'


elle

Today, Tuesday April 28, 2009 is Equal Pay Day, a day designed to raise awareness to pay inequity in the United States. Always held on a Tuesday because Tuesday is the day on which women's wages from the week before catch up to men's--basically women have to work Monday through Friday PLUS Monday and part of Tuesday to make the same amount that men make Monday through Friday. A brand new report issued by the AAUW found that women's average salaries are just shy of $10,000 a year less than men's--a gap that can mean $500,000 to 1 million dollars lost in the average woman's working life (women in highly paid professional positions stand to lose much more!).

Of course when you average anything you lose the details, and as we all know, the devil is in the details. African-American women earn 67 cents on the white male dollar, Hispanic women 58 cents. And while the study didn't specifically address women with children, mothers earn less than non-mothers accross demographics. Men get promotions, women get demoted, fired, or lose pay when they have children.

Know the numbers, and at least today don't let me hear you saying feminism is dead...

To read an article about the report: HERE
To read AAUWs info on Pay Equity: HERE

Keeping with the Theater Theme

elle
Maybe it's just me, but I am stupidly excited by the new Broadway version of the classic fairy tale of 3 downtrodden office employees taking a stand against sexual harassment: 9 to 5. While we're not advocating kidnapping, violence, or the like, this show promises to be a riot! Plus we here at the WC love Allison Janney for a variety of reasons--many surrounding one liners from The West Wing. So, if you're in NY for any reason, check it out!!

Here's the National Association of Working Women (9 to 5)

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ruined

elle

My previous post aside, I don't want anyone to think that I don't totally recognize the atrocities going on in the Democratic Republic of Congo or anywhere else in the world. In fact, when I was in New York last month I saw Lynn Nottage's new play Ruined which was powerful, remarkable, and superbly presented. So, shameless pulg--if you're in NY while the show is running, or it turns up in your home town, see it. 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Sometimes You Just Need a Reminder

elle

Amazing! I was just snarking the other day about how cause celeb our world is, (a year ago everyone was hot on Darfur, and now, not so much) but tonight I was just checking in on a few friends' blog lives when I saw this: Unprecedented Opening for Darfur Action Exists

Cool, eh. Just when I'm feeling discouraged that everyone has moved on to the next conflict du jour, and Naama reminds us all that now is the best time to dig in. Thanks!

Monday, April 6, 2009

No Woman Left Behind

Clearly Elle is kicking my ass at this whole "keeping up with the blog" thing. I have no excuses, but will say Elle is pretty much considered a goddess at the WC, and her ability to do five million things at once is one of the reasons why.

However, do not fret, gentle reader, for I, Lindsay (the tall, loud one) have returned. And just in time to promote this HUGE event we've been working on since July. It's called No Woman Left Behind and you can read all about it right here. Also, make sure you clear your calendars for next Monday, April 13 so you can all join us for the lovely event at 8 pm in the MU Ballroom. I know you'll be there. If not, I'll come find you and make you come. Don't think I won't ...

FYI--On the Global Front

elle
Well, big suprise. Just as amazing Afghan women leaders were re-finding their voice on the global political scene, backlash. It's important to remember that this law is only designed to affect the Afghan Shiite community (about 20% of the population), but the precedent is there. Check it out...

Afghan Law Legalizes Marital Rape