Zonta USA Caucus statement on Senate's failure to consider Paycheck Fairness Act

While we came close to eliminating the gender pay gap when the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Fairness Act (PFA) in April, on Tuesday, June 8, the U.S. Senate blocked consideration of this important legislation. As fierce advocates for gender equality and equal pay, the Zonta USA Caucus is deeply disappointed by this decision. For our society to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and thrive, women must be ensured their ability to work with equality and dignity. Despite the enactment of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, many women continue to earn significantly lower pay than men for equal work, earning on average just 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This gap is even wider for women of color. The Zonta USA Caucus backed the PFA and encouraged our advocates to help pass the bill, which would have allowed women to challenge pay discrimination and helped end the gender wage gap. Voters overwhelmingly support pay equity, and we urge all elected officials to listen to their constituents and work to pass this bill. We will continue the fight.

10 JUNE 2021