Tuesday, April 14, is Equal Pay Day — or the day that marks how far past Dec. 31 women must work to earn the same amount men did in the previous year, according to the National Committee on Pay Equity.
Census data shows that on average, women earn 78 cents compared to every dollar that men earn, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The difference comes largely from the occupations women work in, the hours women work and time off from work to take care of children.
The National Committee on Pay Equity encourages people to wear red “symbolize how far women and minorities are ’in the red’ with their pay,” according to the committee’s website.
The YWCA of North Central Indiana, AAUW- South Bend, the League of Women Voters and the Feminist Federated of South Bend are inviting people to an Equal Pay Day rally in downtown South Bend on Tuesday.
The rally is at noon on the Main Street steps of the St. Joseph County Courthouse. Speakers will talk about Equal Pay Day and attendees will be invited to speak briefly.
