White House Report Shows Gender Gap In Paychecks
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Women have made great strides in the workforce over the last 30 years, but they are still a big step behind when it comes to pay. According to a report released by the White House on Tuesday, women earn just 80 percent of what their male counterparts make. While that number is up from 62 percent in 1979, women in powerful positions are not happy that men still have control when it comes to paychecks.
"Obviously it's not fair," said Glory Thomas, who co-owns Inursha gym in Fort Worth with her husband. It is a place where men and women can workout side-by-side. "We're educating ourselves, we're empowering ourselves, and obviously we're equal."
And it's now a fact that women surpass men in many areas. According to the White House report, in 2009, women accounted for 51 percent of all managers and professionals. Women also have higher graduation rates than men, at every academic level. It would seem that climbing that ladder should pay.
"Of course they're equal to men," said Inursha class instructor Crystal Apodaca. "I don't understand, in this day and age, somewhere so progressive, where it's still accepted and it's just a way."
Many people believe that this is not just a women's issue, but a social problem that needs to be addressed. The report should come as a wake-up call to members of both sexes. The news came as a shock to some people. "I am surprised," said Benji Espinosa. "Because most of my girlfriends I've ever dated made more money than me."
