Decrease the gender pay gap
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Dear Editor:
Many think getting a college education is the key to closing the wage gap, but it is not. In fact, the wage gap actually widens as women pursue jobs requiring higher education. That is why Equal Pay Day, celebrated on April 12 this year, is important as it brings to light many economic issues women face because we are not compensated for the same work as men.
The gender pay gap is an issue for all women, but especially Millennial women. Young female college graduates experience a wage gap right off the bat, earning less on average in our first job compared to men.
Also, high student loan debt continues to be a major hurdle in the fight for equal pay. The American Association of University Women notes that, among full-time workers repaying loans one year after college graduation, 53 percent of women were paying more than what they could reasonably afford toward their debt — compared with 39 percent of men. This creates financial instability for many women entering adulthood.
Ultimately, Ohio women lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars of income over the course of their careers because of the wage gap. This is not OK and should be changed immediately. It is time to support economic policies such as the Paycheck Fairness Act that would ultimately help Millennial women in Ohio like me succeed. Please contact your congressional representative and encourage them to vote for the Paycheck Fairness Act!
Jennifer Thurau
Public Health
Undergraduate l University of Toledo
Resident Adviser l International House
Campus Ambassador l Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation
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