Statement of Page Gardner, President, Women’s Voices. Women Vote

For the first time in history, a majority of adult women in this country are unmarried, and almost a fifth of these women are single moms, with children living at home. In many ways, they are 'women on their own,' supporting themselves and often their children on earnings that are only 56 percent of what married men make.

The issue of pay equity is more than a fight for their rights – it is a fight to support themselves and their children. The Paycheck Fairness Act recently passed by the House of Representatives means these “women on their own" have an important first step towards being paid what they're truly worth - they are no less deserving of the American Dream than are their male counterparts. There are obstacles in its way – opponents in the U.S. Senate and a President who has already threatened a veto.

We are encouraged that the issue of pay equity is fast becoming a priority, as Senator Hillary Clinton rightly said today in Nevada. This issue deserves to be at the top of the heap of agendas for policymakers’, both future and current.

Nothing could be more defining of both their understanding of and connection to the economic survival of women on their own, than where a candidate stands on the issue of pay equity. We urge our lawmakers in Congress, and the candidates for President to demonstrate that hard work is respected and rewarded, whether the worker is a woman or a man, single or married.

Women's Voices, Women Vote is a national, nonpartisan organization that encourages single women to register, vote and fully participate in the democratic process.