Calls for the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act in honor of Lilly Ledbetter's legacy and the ongoing wage gap issues faced by women, particularly women of color.

Lilly Ledbetter’s advocacy culminated in the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which extended the time frame for filing complaints regarding pay discrimination. Despite this progress, recent reports indicate that the gender wage gap has widened for the first time in two decades, with women earning only 83 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2023. This setback is particularly pronounced among women of color, who continue to face significant wage disparities. For instance, Latinas earn just 51 cents for every dollar paid to white men, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.

The Paycheck Fairness Act

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen protections against gender-based wage discrimination by updating the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Key provisions include prohibiting retaliation against workers who discuss their salaries and enhancing transparency regarding wage practices. Advocates argue that such measures are essential to dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate wage inequality.

Ongoing Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing wage disparities, particularly for women in low-wage industries. Many women, especially those from marginalized communities, were disproportionately affected by job losses during the pandemic, which has hindered progress toward gender equity in the workplace. As the labor market continues to recover, the widening wage gap serves as a reminder of the structural issues that must be addressed to achieve true equality.

Conclusion

In honoring Lilly Ledbetter’s legacy, advocates stress the importance of continued efforts to close the wage gap and support the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act. The fight for equal pay is far from over, and addressing the systemic inequities faced by women—particularly women of color—remains a critical priority for achieving economic justice.