“On average, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women in this country are paid just 87 cents to a white man’s dollar. But the AAPI community is not homogenous and distinguishing this data by ethnicity reveals additional shameful, punitive disparities. In fact, Southeast Asian women face some of the most extreme wage gaps of any racial or ethnic group in the nation. On average, Southeast Asian women are paid only 61 cents for every dollar paid to a white man. This gap adds up to an average of $660,000 in lost wages over a lifetime. 

“Cambodian and Vietnamese women in the United States are paid, on average, only 62 cents for every dollar paid to a white man, and Hmong women just 59 cents. We will not allow these statistics to be overlooked or wage discrimination to continue. We must move past the ‘model minority’ myth and address the specific injustices Southeast Asian women face. 

“We need research, advocacy and policies that acknowledge AAPI labor and diversity.

Right now, the U.S. Department of Labor does not distinguish between AAPI ethnicities on its salary data collection forms. That must change.

"By demanding better practices and by adequately funding pay equity research, we can make Southeast Asian women’s experiences more visible and demand fair and equitable wages for everyone. 

“It’s long past time to close the wage gap for Southeast Asian women – and for all women. We urge Congress to immediately pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which will boost our nation’s families, communities and economy. America’s moms will continue to demand policies proven to combat wage inequality, including paid family and medical leave, earned sick days and affordable childcare. 

“Southeast Asian women deserve fair wages, and we will not rest until the wage gap they experience is closed.”