The FIFA Women’s World Cup runs June 7 through July 7, 2019. France hosts the tournament this time, which is played once every four years. The USA Women’s National Team has more tournament victories – three – than any other team since the tournament began. Germany is the next closest with two.
Despite this impressive performance track record, the United States women’s soccer team has had a dispute with US soccer, it’s governing body, for decades. Twenty-eight members of the team filed suit for gender discrimination back in March. The women claim they are consistently paid less than similarly situated members of the men’s team because of their gender.
It was not a coincidence that the lawsuit was filed on International Women’s Day, March 8.
Equal pay for equal work continues to be an ongoing topic of discussion in the United States for everyday citizens, not just for professional athletes. According to US Census data, on average women make 80 cents for every $1.00 a man makes in the United States.
June 4, 2019, a few short days ago, was the 100th anniversary of passing the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution. That means women have had the right to vote for 100 years in this country.
What can you do if you think you are not being paid equitably?
- Learn your rights. Be sure you know your rights for the state(s) in which you live and work. They vary considerably.
- Do your research. More information is available online now than ever, to find out what your skills and experience are worth in the marketplace.
- Learn how to negotiate. Do not assume that an offer given to you for a job is set in stone. Determine if it’s time to ask your boss for a raise. You’ll never get it if you don’t ask.
Let’s learn from those who came before us, from the suffragettes to the professional athletes representing us in the World Cup.
Betsy Winkler is a Partner at PeopleResults. She can be reached on Twitter @BetsyWinkler1.
