Equal Pay Day,  April 9, is a day that advocates for the 1963 passage of the Equal Pay Act. This act prohibits the sex-based wage discrimination between men and women performing similar types of work in similar environments. The rising conflict comes from the fact that many women, despite the law, are being underpaid for the same jobs when men are paid for the exact same work.

As a result of the 2016 election, the controversy of equal pay for both men and women has received an increased amount of attention. Some argue that both groups should be treated equally and paid according to their standard of work. However, opponents contend that females are paid less than their male co-workers because their work ethic isn’t as strong as men.

Equal pay is an ongoing dilemma that society needs to change. The inequality in pay is not a matter of pride for women, but a matter of appreciation. If women are completing the same jobs as men, they should be paid the same. Plain and simple. Both genders are putting the same effort and drive into their work. Therefore, women should be appreciated equally.

Due to the display of disrespect for women by those with power, many advocates have rightfully come out in support of both women’s rights and equal rights. People have shared their stories of unequal conduct in the workforce, and many statistics have come out to stand up for women and the quality of their work.

The opposition argues women are less educated so subsequently their pay wage is deducted. However, according to the Department for Professional Employees, from 1976 to 2014, the enrollment of women in college has increased by 120% and now surpasses the enrollment of men by 3 million. Consequently, this suggests that women might in fact be more educated than men – rather than less.

Additionally, women have been mislabeled as a small, possibly insignificant, part of the workforce and often take time off for personal reasons. These individuals argue that women should be reprimanded for taking time off.

What are these personal reasons? Maternity leave, an essential period for a child’s development cycle. A time that decides quite largely to the roles in society that future generations will give to the world. The Department for Professional Employees reported that women makeup 47% of the workforce. Additionally, 58% of said women work either part time or full time, all while having a child under the age of one. Being the mother of an infant and working a full-time job should be commendable, and a not a way to depreciate the importance of women and their work ethic.

Most people think of equal pay as a topic that either doesn’t affect them or something that is too difficult to get rid of. However, we as a society have to come together and fight for equality in all aspects because though they may not affect us directly, they will affect our families and friends.

Simple ways to get involved are to become educated about unequal pay and supporting the cause to stop it. Many feel that large scope controversies are out of their reach. However, simple contributions can make a big difference.

Recognizing the ongoing dilemma of unequal pay and finding solutions to diminish the problem will lead  to a positive and respectful society for future generations.