AAUW Work Smart

Closing the Pay Gap with AAUW

The 2020 pay gap figures reflect a slight narrowing: In 2019, on average women took home 82.3 cents for every dollar paid to men, compared to 83 cents in 2020. But that number and the apparent change is misleading given the massive shifts in the American labor force during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects who was able to retain employment during a tumultuous year–a disproportionate share of higher-wage workers.  Additionally, race plays a huge role in the pay gap. For example, Latinas were compensated just 57% of what non-Hispanic white men were paid in 2020.

AAUW Work Smart is designed to help you negotiate for a new job, raise, or promotion. In every two-hour workshop you’ll gain confidence in your negotiation style through facilitated discussion and role-play and learn:

  • How to identify and articulate your personal value
  • How to develop an arsenal of persuasive responses and other negotiation strategies, including how to get a raise or promotion
  • How to conduct objective market research to benchmark a target salary and benefits
  • About the wage gap, including its long-term consequences

Why is negotiation so important? AAUW’s research on the gender pay gap shows that, one year out of college, women are already paid significantly less than their male counterparts. Women who work full time take home 83 cents for every dollar a full-time male worker is paid. And over a lifetime, those lost potential earnings add up.

Women who negotiate increase their potential to earn higher salaries and better benefits packages. By negotiating fair and equitable salaries, you’ll be better able to pay off loans, buy the things you want and need, and even save for retirement.