10 Shocking Stats That Should Convince Every Woman to Ask for a Raise on #EqualPayDay

Updated 6/19/2020

On Equal Pay Day, we're calling every woman to ask for a raise—because you deserve to be paid what you're worth, not based on your gender or race.

In case you didn’t know, today, today is Equal Pay Day. Not only does this day represent a movement to recognize the wage gap between men and women (which is currently around 20%, and even greater for women of color) and encourage individuals and companies everywhere to fight to close it, but the date itself signifies “how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year,” says the National Committee on Pay Equity.

We at The Muse believe you deserve to get paid what you’re worth, regardless of your gender or race, which is why we’re calling for women everywhere to ask for a raise. And if you’re skeptical or hate talking about money? These 10 #EqualPayDay facts might convince you to take the leap:

Previously an editor for The Muse, Alyse is proud to prove that yes, English majors can change the world. She’s written almost 500 articles for The Muse on anything from productivity tips to cover letters to bad bosses to cool career changers, many of which have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., CNBC's Make It, USA Today College, Lifehacker, Mashable, and more. In addition to being an avid writer and reader, Alyse loves to dance, both professionally and while waiting for the subway. You can follow her work on her website, Twitter, or LinkedIn.