National Equal Pay Day and Child Support

Pay is an important factor under the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. It is critical for parents to be employed at their best potential for income to support children.

This emphasis on fair compensation and financial stability aligns with the principles of National Equal Pay Day, which highlights the importance of gender pay equity and fair wages for all individuals. Because without equal pay opportunities, how can we expect men and women to contribute equally to the financial well-being of their children?

Why Equal Pay Day Exists

According to Equal Pay Today, for full-time, year-round employees, the pay difference between men and women is 84 cents on the dollar. When considering all earnings—full-time, year-round earners as well as part-time and seasonal employees—the salary difference increases to 78 cents.

This means that women who are doing the same jobs with the same amount of experience and skill as their male counterparts are being paid less for their work, simply for being women.

By promoting equal pay practices, we can create a more equitable society where parents can fulfill their financial responsibilities and support their children effectively. National Equal Pay Day exists to help bring awareness to these issues.

Where It All Began

While women began to fight for their rights around the world at the beginning of the 20th century, the struggle has persisted for years.

The idea of a dedicated day to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of the wage gap was first introduced by the National Committee on Pay Equity in 1997.

One intriguing component of the initiative is the way the date fluctuates. Each year, Equal Pay Day falls on the date it would have taken a woman to earn the same annual salary as a man would have for the previous year. Thus, the date changes each year and for every nation that recognizes the holiday.

Causes of the Gender Pay Gap

Although many elements contribute to the pay gap, they are all closely linked to the problems and limitations that women face because of social constructs.

When two applicants are equally matched in every other way, gender is one of the most common factors used to determine who gets hired, with males typically receiving priority for employment. This is especially true if there is a significant level of pressure or risk associated with the job.

Even if this was just an American issue, it would still be important to solve. What is more alarming, though, is that many of the so-called first-world countries have this problem. The unfair treatment of women is a major issue everywhere in the world, and although there has been progress recently, there is still a long way to go.

So, What’s Next?

This year, National Equal Pay Day is on March 12th, 2024. It’s a great opportunity to spread the word about pay equality and start a discussion about the issues women all over the world are facing.

Without equal pay, women are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to receiving or providing child support payments, which ultimately only harms the financial well-being of the child or children in question.

Regardless of gender, we must all fight for employment equality as it not only requires all of our efforts, but it is also negatively affecting all of us. Isn’t it time for all people to get paid fairly?