MARQUETTE — The Marquette Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will mark Equal Pay Day on Tuesday, March 25 with awareness events at Northern Michigan University and Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette.

March 25 represents how far into 2025 women must work to earn what men earned by the end of 2024. This observance during Women’s History Month draws critical attention to the persistent wage gap affecting women across the country. At current rates, women earn just 83% of what men earn for full-time, year-round work, and only 75% when including part-time and seasonal workers.

“Equal Pay Day isn’t just a symbolic date, it represents real economic impact on women and families,” said Carol Steinhaus, president, AAUW Marquette branch. “The wage gap persists across all demographics, with particularly stark disparities for women of color, mothers, and disabled women.”

The day will feature two public events:

Pay Gap Pop-Up: AAUW and ASNMU will host an informational table in NMU’s Jamrich Hall (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) and distribute Payday candy bars and informational materials

Equity + Ales: AAUW members will continue the conversation at Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette (4-6 p.m.)

“Today’s college students need to understand the wage gap realities they’ll face after graduation,” said Dana Hinckley, ASNMU President. “By bringing awareness to campus, we’re empowering young people to advocate for themselves in future salary negotiations and encouraging them to become part of the solution.”

The wage gap impact varies significantly:

Latina and Native women earn approximately 51-52 cents per dollar compared to white men

Black women earn 64 cents per dollar

Disabled women earn just 50 cents per dollar

Mothers earn 62 cents compared to fathers

These disparities are recognized throughout the year with additional Equal Pay Days, including Moms’ Equal Pay Day (May 6), LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day (June 17), Black Women’s Equal Pay Day (July 10), Latina Equal Pay Day (Oct. 8), Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day (Oct. 23), and Native Women’s Equal Pay Day (Nov. 18).

Media representatives are invited to both events for visuals, interviews, and additional information. Contact information is below.

Statistics cited are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and research from the National Partnership for Women & Families.