Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day, August 26th, commemorates the 19th Amendment and celebrates progress in women’s rights. However, it’s also a reminder of the work that remains and gives us a chance to highlight issues facing Latina women. Latinos are the state’s second-largest ethnic group, with the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute reporting, “about 13.4% of Washington’s population ” yet they earn far less than white men.
Washington Latinas face a deep wage gap. A report from the National Women’s Law Center reveals that full-time Latinas earn just $0.51 for every dollar earned by a non-Hispanic white man (National Women’s Law Center). That’s a little over half! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on average, Latinas in Washington earn about -$36,700 less per year than white men in the region. This disparity places Washington among the states with the highest gender wage gaps, especially for women of color.
Several factors explain this gap. Many Latinas work in lower-paying industries (services, education, elder care) rather than in high-paying fields. In Washington, there are few high-level jobs in tech, construction, or engineering that include women, while Latinas often dominate in low-wage sectors. This is known as “occupational segregation,” describing underrepresentation in better-paid jobs and overrepresentation in lower-paid work. Other barriers include language access, ongoing discrimination, and greater family caregiving responsibilities, which hinder Latinas’ professional advancement (National Women’s Law Center).
Why do Latinas earn less? One explanation is occupational segregation. Washington depends on industries like tech, aerospace, and construction, where women (especially Latinas) are underrepresented. Latinas also tend to work in lower-paid sectors, have less access to professional networks, and sometimes face wage discrimination or schedule limitations due to family care. All these factors mean Latinas must work another almost-full year to reach what their white male colleagues earn.
This Women’s Equality Day, it’s vital to remember we have much more work to do as a state to move toward equity. The Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs and the Washington State Women’s Commission offer information and on labor rights and wage discrimination. You can also contact the Department of Labor & Industries to report discrimination or seek legal help in your community.
Pay equity is everyone’s responsibility. Get informed and make your voice count! Use these resources, share information with friends and coworkers, and demand fair treatment in your workplace. This August 26 let’s celebrate what’s been achieved and renew our commitment to real equality.
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