Day 9: Closing the Race & Gender Wealth Gap

| CHALLENGE | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 | DAY 10 | DAY 11 | DAY 12 | DAY 13 | DAY 14 | DAY 15 | DAY 16 | DAY 17 | DAY 18 | DAY 19 | DAY 20 | DAY 21 |

Economic stability is one of the five social determinants of health, which accounts for 40% of the health factors that contribute to health outcomes. To address health disparities, state and local governments have folded in a health-in-all-policies approach, including health impact assessments to make sure decisions involving laws and policies consider these health impacts. Unfortunately, recent research shows that these adjustments have not resulted in change or reductions in these health disparities.

The pandemic further highlighted the class and racial disparities in economic security. Black and Latino households are more likely to report income loss and difficulty in paying expenses. Experts say the U.S. labor market will not be alleviated by market forces in the eventual post-pandemic recovery, leaving Black and Latino workers with significantly high unemployment numbers in the double digits.

Because people marginalized by racism and sexism make up a disproportionate number of low-wage workers, raising today’s minimum wage to a living wage has the potential to be an important tool for achieving economic justice and closing the racial and gender pay gaps. Implementing a federal minimum wage would give the entire country a baseline to work from and help to dismantle the institutionalized disproportionate regional wages.

IF YOU HAVE…

5 Minutes	and	10 Minutes	and	30 Minutes
	and		and
READ THIS ARTICLEon how moving towards a livable wage would help close the pay gap. 34% of Black working women and 31% of Latina workers will get a raise if the minimum wage is raised to $15/hr.	and	WATCH THIS VIDEO on how the gender pay gap, the wealth gap, and the pandemic all have a significant part in women’s inability to build up and increase wealth.	and	LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST SERIES that features Black women and experts sharing their experiences and insights on how the gender pay gap, pay discrimination, and systemic inequality affects their livelihoods in the workforce.

REFLECT

Take a moment to reflect today’s challenge and any insights you experienced.

• How did this challenge make you feel?
• What did you learn?
• What did you notice about yourself after taking the challenge?
• Consider sharing this new awareness with a friend or group to help deepen your understanding of the information.
• Continue the conversation online and connect with others by joining our Racial & Social Justice Facebook group.

Let us know why this challenge is important to you by leaving your comment here.

Thank you for joining us in our Stand Against Racism Challenge. Our work continues every weekday from May 2 – May 30. Each day you’ll be offered some content to help you take a deeper dive into the daily topic.

We ask that you undertake this challenge with an open mind and willingness to explore new ideas and allow yourself to sit with any emotions that may come up for you.

This content may be hard to process so consider having a self-care plan in place beforehand. This can include meditation before or after engaging, watching your favorite show, or doing something creative.

We look forward to going on this journey towards true equity and justice with you!

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