Native American women make less than white men at all levels
On average, a Native American woman makes 42% less than white men and, if she was paid fairly, she would earn almost $1 million more over the course of her career, according to a new report by LeanIn.org.
The organization released new information pertaining to pay equity and Native American women on Sept. 23, which is also recognized as Native American Women’s Equal Pay Day — in other words, that’s how many days a Native American woman would need to work into 2019 to make what white men made in 2018 alone.
On average, Native American women make $0.58 to every dollar a white man makes. The report also surmises that regardless of their occupation, level of education or location, Native American women are still paid less than white men.
Here are some key findings from the research:
- The pay gap varies by tribe. If you break the data down by tribe, some women are paid even less than $0.58 to every dollar. The biggest gap belongs to the Blackfoot tribe at 53% — or $0.47 to every dollar.
- The pay gap is largest for Native American women who have bachelor’s and master’s degrees at 42% and 39%, respectively.
- Native American women and men in the same roles as white men receive different pay.
- Lower earnings for Native American women mean less money for their families, especially since two-thirds of Native American mothers are the main breadwinners for their households.
- If paid fairly, a Native American woman could afford 32 more months of childcare and more than two-and-a-half more years worth of tuition and fees at a four-year public university.
See the full report by LeanIn.org online.