On a particularly frigid day in Washington, D.C., this past January, the White House was warmed by the energy of excited advocates and congressional leaders. They came bearing cameras and pens for autographs to witness the culmination of nearly two years of tireless work on behalf of pay equity: the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Lilly Ledbetter, proudly wearing her hot pink equal pay button, stood behind President Obama as he signed into law the bill that bears her name. Lilly's bill gave back to women the right to challenge wage discrimination in court, and it was truly a day of celebration for women and all employees across the country.
But today, Equal Pay Day, is a reminder that the wage gap persists and that our work is not yet done. As Lilly said herself following the bill signing, "With this bill in place, we now can move forward to where we all hope to be - improving the law, not just restoring it." The next step for moving forward is passing the Paycheck Fairness Act.
I recently caught up with Lilly to talk about what she's been doing since that eventful winter day in Washington, D.C., and what's coming up on her plate. I even got to ask her the question I know so many of us are wondering: What was it really like to dance with the President at an inaugural ball? As I expected, she's been one busy woman and has not lost one bit of her fighting spirit.
Marcia: As you are well aware, the fight for equal pay didn't end when the President put down his pen on January 29. What have you been doing since the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was signed into law?
Lilly: Oh, I've been traveling, traveling, traveling. I've been to New York City, Chicago, New Mexico, Alabama, New Jersey, and even Rome last month. What I've realized is that unequal pay isn't just an issue in the South. It's not even just an issue in our country. It's an international issue. Women all over the world simply aren't getting paid what they are due and what they need to provide for their families. And really, my bill was just the beginning for a lot of people. I think that's why so many groups ask me to come speak. People were so energized because I, and the organizations that helped me in the fight, took such as strong stand against discrimination. They want to continue working on this issue.
Marcia: You're absolutely right. Pay discrimination is a serious problem and we must keep up the momentum to close the wage gap.
Certainly much has changed since I first graduated from law school. At that time, many law firms simply refused to hire women lawyers at all, or would not allow them to work in the most lucrative fields. But even today, with the large number of women graduating from law schools, they still earn less than their male counterparts. So whether lawyers, or women in so many other lines of work, the pay discrimination you faced resonates with them - and with their families!
Lilly: Everywhere I go I hear stories about what women are experiencing in the workplace. People are so moved by this fight. The waitresses at one hotel where I was staying after the signing recognized me and all pooled together whatever cash they had to pay for my breakfast - they did that for both days I was there! When I left my hotel room later, the hotel staff were lined up waiting to shake my hand. I was so touched because this fight is really for them, for real people just trying to get by.
Marcia: What have you noticed about why people have been so supportive of you throughout your fight?
Lilly: From the moment the verdict came down in the Supreme Court, the outpouring of support has been tremendous, and it hasn't stopped. Those judges can make one ruling and affect a lot of people's lives, and everyone knew the Court got it wrong. Women and men both support me because this is a family affair, it's a whole community affair, and it's a state and federal government affair.
Marcia: Yes, and unfortunately in your case the Supreme Court did not uphold core legal protections that had been in place for decades prior to their decision. It's critical that nominees demonstrate that they will protect the legal rights of ordinary Americans and are committed to promoting women's rights and civil rights.
Lilly: Right. And now, looking forward, we must pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. It is so important to making sure women are paid equally for equal work. I want people to tell everyone they know to contact their Senators and urge them to pass it. This is really an urgent request and everyone has to do their part. It's time we get this bill passed and make sure that women are compensated properly.
Marcia: The Ledbetter Act was a great step, but you're right that we must now focus on passing the Paycheck Fairness Act to improve the laws on the books.
Finally, I have to ask the question we've all be so curious about. What was it like to dance with President Obama at the inaugural ball?
Lilly: Oh, I was on cloud nine. But I was so nervous I couldn't move my feet - even after all those years of ballroom dancing I just forgot what to do! He was so kind though, and he's actually a very good dancer.
Even if we can't all dance with the President, everyone can participate in promoting pay equity and urge their senators to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. The bill will strengthen current laws against wage discrimination and require the federal government to be more of a partner in preventing and battling wage discrimination. Take action and urge your Senators to support this bill.
You can also find out more about pay equity, and view state-by-state data on the wage gap. And visit the National Women's Law Center website to see who else is writing about workplace fairness for women on this Equal Pay Day.