Join us for IWPR’s 2026 Power+ Summit, The Power Grid: Driving Gender Equity Forward, taking place September 28–29 in Detroit, MI.
Together, we will spark bold ideas, share breakthroughs, and shape the future of gender equity.
But “disparity” doesn’t always signify an instance of discrimination, according to Ariane Hegewisch, study director at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. “Pay disparity can also be a kindergarten teacher earns $27,000 a year and a person working as a financial adviser in a bank earns $500,000.”
Pay secrecy
According to a survey from the Institute of Women’s Policy Research, 51% of women reported ” the discussion of wage and salary information is either discouraged or prohibited.” This is pay secrecy at work — the practice that discourages — or outright forbids — talking about pay or discussing compensation with your colleagues.