Equal Pay Day is being observed around the country today, April 12, in an effort to bring awareness to the still ongoing plight of women�s rights in the workplace.
The day first began in 1996, after the National Committee on Pay Equity wanted to publicize the disparity between the salaries of men and women in the workforce.
According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, women still overall make less than men do in 107 out of 111 occupations surveyed, despite their equal levels of education.
According to the last U.S. Census, on average, women work longer in their careers to ultimately be paid the same amount as their male colleagues. The statistics also show that a wide pay gap still exists between men and women of color.
Overall, women earn about 77 cents for every dollar men earn.