Lori Anne, The Dreamineer

As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, it’s easy to think of all the ways women have become empowered, have overcome adversity, and won battles over everything from the right to vote to the opportunity to defend our country on the battlefield. But there’s one area where very little progress has been made and that’s in the amount we get paid as compared to our male counterparts.

Last week the federal government reported that on average, a woman’s pay only equals about three-quarters of a man’s – a statistic that has refused to budge in the last 10 years. What makes this even more surprising is that there is a higher number of female graduates from both high school and college. So, we’re better educated but not properly compensated for it!

The report, entitled Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being, was released at the beginning of March to honor Women’s History Month.  Similar statistics had not been compiled by the government since Eleanor Roosevelt did was asked to do by JFK in 1963.

Many are speculating that the reason for the enduring income gap between men and women is due to our choices regarding children. Another thing that hasn’t changed much in recent decades is that women tend to give up their careers in order to stay home with the kids. And, of course, they have to take time from work to give birth. These gaps in work history are the biggest culprit – but that’s not always the case.

Unfortunately, many employers are discriminatory. Before women are hired, the potential employer usually wants to know what contingencies are in place if a child gets sick. They want to know that a woman is more concerned with her work than her family. Consequently, there are fewer opportunities for high-level positions and promotions if you are a mother.

Sure, I think any mother is going to be more worried about her family than her job – who wouldn’t? But that does that mean women offer less in the workplace? I think it just means we are better at multi-tasking and more used to performing an optimum level on little sleep!

Maybe someday American corporations will realize this, too, and properly compensate us for the unique talents we bring to the table.