This is a subscriber-only article. Join Entrepreneur+ today for access

Learn More

Already have an account?

Sign in
Entrepreneur Plus - Short White
For Subscribers

5 Ways Women Can Fight the Gender Pay Gap (Besides Asking for More Money) The gender pay gap isn't going away by itself, so here's what we can do to eliminate it.

By Jandra Sutton

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

When it comes to women and money, it's always a good idea to ask for more. It's a conversation most of us have had several times throughout our careers. But when it comes to fighting the ever-lingering gender pay gap it's not always enough. No matter how much we talk about it with our friends, share about Equal Pay Day or ask for more, the problem persists. In 2020, Pew Research Center reported that women earned roughly 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. For women of color, the gender pay gap is even worse — with Hispanic women earning roughly 57 cents for every dollar earned by white men, Native American women earning 60 cents for every dollar and Black women earning 64 cents for every dollar. It's a disparity that exists even when you adjust for job title, experience, education and industry. Plus, research shows that women are asking for raises just as much as men — they just aren't getting them.

So what can we do about it?

1. Talk about money with your friends and coworkers

Talking about money can be scary, especially since it's a subject that people have considered to be taboo for decades. However, research shows that pay transparency is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the gender pay gap across the board. Some employers might frown upon the idea of you sharing your salary with your coworkers. But it's actually illegal for them to prohibit these conversations and to punish you for having them.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Side Hustle

Anyone Can Start a Passive Income Side Hustle For Easy Money — But Only If You Know These 5 Essential Tips First.

The rise of digital automation technology has made starting a passive income side hustle easier and more accessible than ever before.

Side Hustle

He Launched His Creative Side Hustle Out of a Garage. Now It's Worth $225 Million.

Tom Humble, CXO and founder of E.C.D. Automotive Design, followed his passion for custom auto design into big business.

Business News

An Hermès Heir Wants to Give Half His $12 Billion Fortune to His Gardener—and Lawyers Are Going Nuts

Nicolas Puech, the grandson of Hermès' founder, intends to legally adopt the 51-year-old former groundskeeper as his son, ensuring he inherits his billions.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2023

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2023.

Growing a Business

How an Executive Coach Can Help You Set Better Goals — And Transform Your Business

Ways to enhance your competitive advantage — and psychological wellbeing — with the assistance of a seasoned, results-focused professional.