A report issued last year by the Women's Fund of Central Ohio and the Kirwin Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicityfound that working Ohio women earn just 78 cents for every dollar men earn. Gender equity was the topic of discussion at this week's Columbus Metropolitan Club forum. Columbus City Council member Elizabeth Brown suggested an expansion of paid family leave.
Earlier this year, the 18-member Columbus Women's Commission began working to reduce gender-based pay inequities. Columbus First Lady Shannon Ginther chairs the commission and explained the feedback the group has received so far from women.
This fall, the commission will unveil a voluntary pay equity pledge calling on employers to commit to understanding the gaps that exist and to look at their numbers and make changes. The commission is also working on a community health strategy that will likely be launched early next year.