Statement from Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO and executive director of MomsRising, an online and on-the-ground organization of more than one million mothers and their families, on Native American Women’s Equal Pay Day – the day that marks how long Native American women had to work in 2018 to catch up to what White, non-Hispanic men were typically paid in 2017.

“Today serves as a reminder that Native American women continue to experience some of the most extreme wage gaps of any racial or ethnic group in the nation. On average, a Native American woman is paid only 57 cents for every dollar paid to a white, non-Hispanic man. That means the average Native woman must work more than 21 months to make what the average white, non-Hispanic man is paid in 12.

“These shameful numbers are even worse for Native moms and certain tribes. Native American moms are paid just 49 cents on the dollar and Pueblo and Blackfoot women are paid less than half of what white, non-Hispanic men are paid each year. Wage gaps for Native women persist across occupations and educational levels and, in fact, these gaps only widen the more education a Native woman attains. Native women who earn a bachelor’s degree are still paid less than white, non-Hispanic men who only have a high school diploma. These gaps exacerbate other disparities Native women face, including high rates of sexual assault and unequal access to health care.

"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.

“The wage gaps Native women face are punitive and disgraceful, and this injustice must end. We will not stop fighting until these gaps are closed.”