Women & Workplace Equity: Key Facts

Understanding the current landscape of gender equity in the workplace is crucial for driving meaningful change. Here are key facts highlighting the persistent challenges and the progress still needed.

The Pay Gap

• In the **U.S. (2024)**, women earn approximately **82¢ for every $1** earned by men.

• This gap widens significantly for women of color:

• Black women: ~69¢ per $1

• Latinas: ~57¢ per $1

• Native women: ~59¢ per $1

• Globally, the pay gap stands at about **20%** (International Labour Organization).

Leadership & Representation

• Only **10% of Fortune 500 CEOs** are women.

• Women hold **28% of U.S. Congressional seats** (2025).

• In the tech industry, only **25% of computing roles** are held by women.

Workplace Treatment & Equity

• Women are more likely to face **unpaid caregiving expectations**, impacting their career progression.

• Nearly **3 million U.S. women left the workforce** during COVID-19, often due to caregiving burdens.

• **42% of women report experiencing gender discrimination** at work (Pew Research Center).

• Women are less likely to be promoted to management roles, a phenomenon known as the **'Broken Rung'**.

International Perspective

• Countries like **Iceland** have implemented pay transparency laws to effectively help close the pay gap.

• Many nations worldwide still exhibit wide gender gaps in both pay and workforce participation.

Bottom Line

While women have made significant strides, **systemic inequities** in pay, leadership, and workplace treatment persist. Effective solutions require a multi-faceted approach, including:

• Enacting **pay transparency laws**

• Implementing comprehensive **family leave policies**

• Promoting robust **diversity and inclusion initiatives**

• • Addressing the **'Broken Rung'** to ensure equitable career progression