Pay Equity Day this year falls on April 4th. In 2012 (5 years ago) the Day fell on April 17th — 2 weeks later. It seems some progress has been made. However, women, on average, still must work 15 months to earn what men, on average, earn in 12 months. The wage gap is true for all areas of employment – from the lowest pay levels for unskilled labor to the highest professional and executive levels. The dates are an average for all men and women. However, it varies from one ethnic/racial group to another: for Asian-American women the date falls in March, in August for African-American women, in September for Native American, and not until October for Latina women. It must be noted that minority men across the board earn less than white men, but still more than minority women.

Typically, on average, women who work full-time are paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts. However, the gap between mothers and fathers is even larger – averaging 71 cents for mothers for every dollar for fathers. These figures are typical of the white population. The figures are even more dismal for non-white women versus white men: 51 cents for African-American mothers; 49 cents for Native American mothers; 46 cents for Hispanic mothers. Mothers earn less than fathers in every state in the US, but the size varies from state to state, from less than 65 cents to 75 cents or more. New York state mothers average 73 cents for fathers’ dollars.

It must be noted that minority men across the board earn less than white men, but still more than minority women.

These wage gap figures translate into: $1,943 for 3 months groceries; $2,594 for 3 months rent and utilities; $2,364 for 3 months child care; $1,178 for 3 months health insurance; $1,998 for 6 months student loan payments; 9 tanks of gas equaling $393, for a total $10,470. Obviously, many working families cannot survive without assistance from various social services agencies, governmental and private charitable groups. It is especially true of female headed households. The effect of this on an individual’s self esteem and sense of self worth in an acquisitive culture is another issue.

The above statistics can be found on-line, posted by the National Women’s Law Center. They reveal a disturbing difference between not only men and women, but also between the white population and minority populations. It is especially disturbing in a nation which pays lip service to equality. The second paragraph of the US Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776, states in part, “…all men are created equal…”.

Yes, the pay gap is closing, but at a glacial pace. At the current rate, women will not achieve equal pay until 2152. The United States of America cannot afford to wait that long.

B. Dolores Thompson is public policy chair of the Jamestown AAUW.