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    Columbus Women’s Commission Campaign Focuses on Leveling Pay Disparities

    The Columbus Women’s Commission announced its next steps toward addressing pay inequities between men and women in the workplace. The Columbus Commitment campaign will push for 100 additional employers to adopt practices towards pay change in 100 days. These employers will be 100% committed to improving workplace inequities, with a particular focus on pay disparity. 

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    Employers volunteer to be part of the initiative and commit to examining their data regarding gender-based pay equity, while participating in best business practices, and implementing strategies to change pay equity. 

    So far, 287 employers have joined the pledge, with the goal to add an additional 100 by July 3, 2022. 

    “In Franklin County, women comprise over 50% of the population, but one-in-four women are economically insecure and struggling to pay for food, housing, medical care and other essential living needs,” said First Lady Shannon Ginther, chair of the Columbus Women’s Commission. “Although the pandemic didn’t create these burdens, it highlighted and heightened so many of the barriers women face. We are committed to reversing these trends and further expanding equity throughout Columbus and across Central Ohio.”

    The pandemic shifted the commission in a positive direction. With the shutdown and school closures, companies were reaching out to the commission for insights on how to keep women workers. Many employers shifted towards remote work, which helped parents stay employed and take care of their children from home. 

    Shannon Ginther expressed that when awareness is brought forth about such issues, people sign on.

    “You are worth this and you can ask for it,” said Shannon Ginther. “That makes you somebody in the workforce, with benefits, with 401K, with health insurance, building more economic security.” 

    Shannon Ginther – Photo provided by the Columbus Women’s Commission

    Since 2017 the Columbus Women’s Commission has been devoted to helping women break barriers to reduce inequities and improving the economic positions of women in Columbus. The commission’s main areas of focus are health, housing, gender equity in the workplace, and workforce development. 

    “Dismantling barriers and reducing gender-based inequities is crucial to the economic vitality of women and our entire community,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “By moving the needle on these important issues, we will ensure that even more of our residents share in our city’s success.”

    Women in the U.S. are paid 83 cents for every dollar paid to men. African American women earn 63 cents for every dollar a man makes, while Latina women earn 57 cents. According to the Columbus Women’s Commission, pay inequity is an economic issue for families who struggle to support themselves. The commission advocates that equitable pay in Columbus would increase diversity in business innovation, and help with recruitment. 

    “There’s a long way to go. From a visionary perspective it’s about continuing to raise the issue until it doesn’t need to be raised anymore because it’s not the way people do business anymore,” said Shannon Ginther. “We’ll close that pay gap and still help women and families live better lives.”

    For more information, visit columbus.gov/payequity.

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    Katiana Carmon
    Katiana Carmonhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Katiana is a former journalist for Columbus Underground and The Metropreneur. She is a 2019 graduate from the Ohio Media School. She covered civics, arts, small business and entrepreneurial news, along with local events.
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