A new report using U.S. Census data suggests women will not bridge the gender wage gap for 102 years.
Leaders from local women's organizations including the Buffalo chapter of the American Association of University Women, the Western New York Women's Foundation and the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women gathered Thursday morning at BAK Industries to present their findings.
Their analysis of Census data determined women are still making 80 cents compared to every dollar men make. Using the current rate of wage-gap-closing progress, the report concludes we won't hit dollar-for-dollar parity until 2119.
The numbers look at little more optimistic here in New York State. Here, the median income for women is $47,358 compared to men's $53,124. That means women make about 89 cents to a man's dollar, which is nine cents more than the national average.
Equal pay advocates say the disparity grows when it comes to women of color, and directly impacts families and the economy.
"Empowering women is one of the smartest investments we can make," said Sheri Scavone, the Executive Director of the Western New York Women's Foundation. "Financial independence gives women choices. It enables women to spend more on their families, drive growth in the economy and inspire their communities."
