Fatima Perez-Luthi, the founder and CEO of The Grind Coaching and Consulting, as well as the manager of a local financial literacy program, delves into the considerations that many women need to make regarding child care before joining the workforce.
It’s 2024 and the gender pay gap is still present in Topeka.
Advocates for women’s financial empowerment in Topeka are sounding the alarm on the worsening child care shortages in the state.
In a recent episode of the Kansas Reflector podcast, YWCA Northeast Kansas CEO Kathleen Marker and Fatima Perez-Luthi, the founder and CEO of The Grind Coaching and Consulting and manager of a local financial literacy program, engaged in a conversation about the existing gender-based financial disparities.
Marker emphasized the need to break down barriers that still exist for women in the workplace. According to her, women should assert their value and communicate openly with their employers about the barriers they face. It is crucial for these conversations to be honest and safe, allowing women to express themselves freely. Employers also play a vital role by being receptive to these conversations and recognizing the value that women bring to the workplace.
According to the U.S. Census, women working full-time in 2022 earned an average of 84 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men.
According to a recent study by AAUW, the wage disparities among different racial groups are quite significant. When analyzing the earnings in 2022, it was found that Latina women earned only 52 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. Similarly, Black women earned 66 cents per dollar, while white women earned 74 cents per dollar. These statistics highlight the stark inequalities that exist in the workplace, particularly when it comes to gender and race.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the gender wage gap in Kansas is approximately $10,746. In the field of management, one of the largest occupations in the state, male earners had a median income of $81,515, while their female counterparts earned only $56,188.
YWCA Northeast Kansas CEO Kathleen Marker recently appeared on a Kansas Reflector podcast to discuss the importance of financial empowerment for women. During the recording, Marker emphasized the need for women to have control and agency over their finances. This includes the ability to make informed decisions about money, access resources, and pursue financial independence. Marker’s insights shed light on the ongoing challenges women face in achieving financial stability and the critical role that empowerment plays in overcoming these obstacles.
Marker stressed the significance of addressing these inequalities as a means to combat financial abuse. According to Marker, financial abuse, which involves exerting control over finances to maintain power and dominance over a partner, can ensnare women.
According to Marker, many women find it difficult to leave an abusive relationship due to concerns about their financial security. The fear of not having any assets or job skills to support themselves and their children can be a major barrier to leaving such a dangerous situation.
Child care, elder care, and care for people with disabilities pose significant challenges that hinder women from remaining in the workforce. These essential forms of support often come at a high cost, making it difficult for women to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their professional aspirations.
United WE, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of women, conducted a survey based on the feedback from women in Kansas. The survey, conducted in 2022, included responses from 536 women, revealing that over 50% of them had the responsibility of caring for their children.
The shortage of child care providers poses a significant obstacle in a state where only 46% of children are currently receiving child care services and an additional 85,000 child care slots are required.
According to Perez-Luthi, child care poses a significant obstacle for many individuals. It is not only a challenge when it comes to taking care of children, but also when caring for aging parents. The high costs associated with child care and caregiving often force women to leave their jobs as they struggle to afford these expenses.
