While The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was passed almost 60 years ago, we have not been able to close the gender wage gap. This is due in large part to occupational segregation. This term is defined by the fact that women and men tend to work in different occupations, and ones that are predominately held by women are unvalued and pay substantially less than jobs predominantly held by men with the same level of skill or education.

Service jobs took the biggest hit during the pandemic, where ¼ of Latina/Hispanic women, and 1/5 of Black women work. White and Asian women are more likely to work in broader occupational categories, but there are still major discrepancies in pay based on gender and race for every occupation.

Click here to read the full IWPR report for the gender wage gap in 2021.

A dedicated leader of the Franklinton community, Emmalyn Jerome continues to make numerous contributions to advancing opportunities for women in Columbus. As the Director of Operations for the Lower Lights Ministries, Emmalyn works with women who are in extremely vulnerable positions as they reenter society from incarceration. She states that Lower Lights Ministries is not only a housing program, but also a place that provides the necessary resources and support that these women need to be successful.. The program model is individualized and designed to empower women to discover their voices and achieve goals they never thought possible. She seeks to be a voice and advocate for women who are finding their way. Emmalyn is a passionate leader, and has shown her love for Columbus throughout her career. 

At the end of the work day, Emmalyn’s commute is a walk across the street. She is a proud resident of Franklinton and enjoys being a part of the community where the housing programs she supports are located.  As a woman of faith, she states that things happen for a reason. She started as a volunteer for the Lower Lights Ministries, and slowly worked her way up from house manager in the Rachel’s House (a housing site for the programs offered) to the key position she holds now. As a Commissioner, she further promotes equity for Columbus women. When the pandemic hit, she continued her work with Lower Lights Ministries, even as the whole world shut down. 

With gender equity playing a large part in her work connecting previously incarcerated women with employment opportunities, she describes a few workplace practices she deems vital when crafting a workplace culture of inclusivity and equality. Her main point surrounds the notion of awareness. Not only of the inequities inside the workplace, but also outside. She mentions how COVID-19 has brought many issues to light in terms of inequities that have been hidden in the dark. Awareness of the lack of quality, affordable childcare. Awareness of the lack of quality, affordable housing. Awareness of the lack of opportunities women are allotted. These, and many more issues, are big factors in conducting an inclusive workplace culture. Her work has helped many women re-enter society with new perspectives on life and with empowered voices. She continues to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and strives to promote gender equity.