Olympian Allyson Felix hopes to close the gender pay gap and achieve "true equality"

According to U.S. Census 2021, women earn 83c for every dollar that men make. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 11-time Olympic gold medalist pointed out that the U.S. women’s national soccer team reached a $24million settlement over equal work conditions and pay. However, she acknowledged that women still face many obstacles in the workplace.

She stated that she feels things are moving in the right direction to CBS News. “But, we have a lot of work to do — we are coming from a far away.
She said, “We’re trying to push for genuine equality.” “I think it’s a matter of taking baby steps and celebrating wins, while not losing sight of our ultimate goal which is to make this a reality.

A new study was published on Thursday and examines the effects of women saying “no” to work. Pure Leaf Iced Tea commissioned the study to survey over 1,800 women in the U.S. The study found that nearly four out of five women believe they will experience a negative outcome if their say no. Two thirds of them do. One in six women were denied pay, and one in ten were dismissed. One in three women feel guilty for saying no to work, according to a new study.

Felix responded to these findings by announcing that she will team up with Pure Leaf, the SeekHer Foundation, and launch the “No Grants” program. This program provides short-term financial assistance to women who are subject to workplace consequences for saying no. She stated that she hopes women who look into the program will prioritize mental health and other things.

Felix acknowledged that even with grants’ assistance it is difficult to know when the right time is to say no, because there is a price.

For the most decorated American track and field athlete, standing up to your employer is an important cause. In 2019, she had to confront her former sponsor Nike. The sports apparel giant allegedly lowballed her because she was pregnant. In The New York Times, she wrote an opinion piece criticizing Nike. The company later changed its policy to ensure that pregnant athletes’ pay is not cut during pregnancy or in the months following.

She encouraged women to “be able to speak the truth” and to apply for grants.

She said, “Knowing the emotional toll of this and the fear that it causes and not wanting any women to be in that situation.” “I believe this is a great starting point and a way to move in the right direction.

 

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