Advancing Gender Pay Equity in Pittsburgh – A Unified Commitment to Economic Empowerment
Pittsburgh, PA – Today, the Level Up Greater Pittsburgh Pay Equity Campaign, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, marked Equal Pay Day—a significant observance that highlights the ongoing gender pay gap. Equal Pay Day represents how far into the year the average woman must work to earn what the average man earned in the previous year. Despite progress over the past fifty years, pay disparity persists both in the Greater Pittsburgh region and nationwide.
“As Mayor of Pittsburgh, I am committed to ensuring that our City is a place where everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, can thrive. Inclusion is the cornerstone of building a community where all people feel valued, safe, and can succeed,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.
Founded in 2022, the Level Up Greater Pittsburgh Pay Equity Campaign is a collaborative effort between the Black Women’s Policy Center (BWPC), Women and Girls Foundation (WGF), and YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. The campaign seeks to address systemic inequities in the workforce and advocate for economic justice by closing the gender pay gap throughout the region.
“March is a time for us to reflect on the contributions women have made to our shared history—contributions that matter to all, regardless of gender, race, or background,” said Angela Reynolds, Ph.D., CEO of YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. “We stand together with the City and County today to commemorate these past achievements and ensure a just, equitable region that celebrates the historic contributions still being made.”
To promote gender and pay equity and foster an inclusive, fair workforce, community leaders have united to discuss key strategies for addressing pay disparities and supporting economic empowerment for all. The City of Pittsburgh also reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to gender equality today, highlighted by the Gender Equity Commission, established in 2016 and relaunching this year. The Commission plays a pivotal role in addressing gender pay gaps and advocating for policies that combat systemic workforce inequalities.
“I am proud to stand with our partners and the City of Pittsburgh to advance pay equity in our region,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “We still have work to do, but together, we’re paving the way for an economy that truly reflects the talent and hard work of all our residents.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey emphasized the continued importance of addressing gender-based discrimination, stating, “The Gender Equity Commission was created to identify and remove gender-based discrimination, but we still have work to do. I’m proud my administration spearheaded these amendments, creating a pathway forward for residents most impacted by inequitable systems.”
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