In a move aimed at addressing gender pay disparities, Governor Josh Stein recently declared March 25 as North Carolina Equal Pay Day during a proclamation that aligns with the broader celebration of Women's History Month. The designation of this day serves as a stark reminder that women, especially women of color, continue to toil under a significant wage gap—they must work far into the current year to catch up to what their male counterparts earned in the previous one. According to the North Carolina Office of the Governor, "women working full-time earned $2.04 less than the median hourly wage for men" in 2022, and the gap widens when analyzing the earnings of Latina and Black women.
"Closing the gender pay gap would make our families, our economy, and our state more prosperous," Governor Stein was quoted as saying. He expressed his commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for success across North Carolina. As part of the effort to rectify this imbalance, the state has taken concrete steps, such as no longer considering past salary histories in hiring processes for state government agencies, to not perpetuate low wages historically assigned to women. This policy change is intended to start to rectify the gendered wage imbalances seen across professions.
The recognition of Equal Pay Day is just one facet of Governor Stein's initiative. His administration also recently honored the 15-year milestone of a career awareness program named Students@Work, which provides insights into high-demand professions to middle school students. Emphasizing the substantial role of women in the economy, North Carolina Department of Administration Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza stated, "Eliminating pay inequities would strengthen our economy and improve quality of life for North Carolina’s women, children, and families." Beyond rectifying disparities, efforts to nurture young women's aspirations play into these initiatives, such as the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program for high school girls which encourages their interest in state government STEM careers, as per the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
During an event that celebrated Women's History Month, Governor Stein further signed the proclamation and highlighted the theme "Women in Leadership," while hosting women leaders at the Executive Mansion. These leaders embody the strides that have been taken – and those yet to be made – toward gender equity in the workplace. The Governor's office continues to highlight programs like Students@Work as key to leveling the playing field, especially in fields underrepresented by women, paving the way to eventually to fully close the gender pay gap. With women as over half the state's population, many of whom are primary breadwinners, it's increasingly clear that their financial empowerment is crucial for the wellbeing of families and the prosperity of the state.
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