Thursday, July 19, 2013
Susan Berryman-Rodriguez, 9to5
(404) 222-0030

(Washington, DC) – Announcement of a new policy agenda “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families.”

9to5 National Executive Director Linda Meric released the following statement in response:

“In the same spirit of the revolutionary women who united for women’s equality at the Seneca Falls Convention 165 years ago today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic women unveiled a new policy agenda “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families.” The agenda highlights some key women’s economic issues: ensuring equal pay for equal work, promoting work and family balance, and providing access to affordable child care.

The importance of addressing the economic challenges facing women and their families is more important than ever. Women earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2011 annual earnings. Since 2001, the gender pay gap has narrowed by only about one percentage point. At this rate, it will take another 45 years for women to earn as much as men. Moreover, according to a 2013 Pew Research Center report, mothers are the sole or primary source of income in 40 percent of households and nearly 30 percent of those are single working mothers. Paradoxically, as the number of mother-headed household has risen, public investments in child care have plunged by $2 billion within one year.

We need to address these economic challenges now in order to create jobs and reduce unemployment. If we can close the pay gap and allow working parents to support and care for their families, then working families will have enough money in their pockets to cover the basics which advances the economy. Helping working women do better will contribute to the overall stability for families, communities and a growing economy.”

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About 9to5: Winning justice for working women for 40 years, 9to5 leads the way to create a powerful force for change on issues affecting low-wage women and their families. Through hands-on leadership development, grassroots organizing and policy advocacy, 9to5 organizes women in campaigns for family-supporting jobs with living wages and paid sick days; and stronger protections against workplace discrimination. 9to5 is one of the largest, most respected national membership organizations of working women in the U.S. To learn more or to get involved, visit 9to5.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.