about the issues

FACT: Nearly 15 million women in the U.S. earn less than $25,000 a year despite working in full-time, year-round jobs.

FACT: One in four working families earns too little to meet basic needs.

FACT: Only 1 in 3 workers has paid sick leave to care for their children. 77% of the lowest paid workers have no paid sick leave at all.

Surprised? Take a look at these additional facts and figures below and get involved to make a difference in the lives of working women and their families.

For additional statistics, you can view or download Women Employed's Facts About Working Women.

The majority of women work

• 68 million women work in the civilian labor force
• 63% of women work
• 54% of women work full time
  

Women's incomes are necessary to support families

• According to a 2004 AFL-CIO survey of working women, 62% report earning half or more of their family's income
• 77% of all mothers with school age children (6-17) work
  

Education is key for women's economic advancement

• A woman with a two-year associate's degree earns 28% more than one with a high school education
• A woman with a bachelor's degree earns 75% more than one with a high school education.
  

Despite important advances, equal pay is still a challenge

• Women earn only 77 cents nationally for every dollar earned by men
• Female high school graduates earn 34% less than male high school graduates
• Female college graduates earn 33% less than male college graduates