Today is International Women’s Day, a day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a reminder of the need to accelerate our efforts to achieve equality for women.

This annual event has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.

The Alliance for Retired Americans joins the rest of the world in celebrating this special day by honoring ALL women — whether they are the teachers who educate our students with their wealth of information; the doctors who heal our patients with their scientific knowledge; the mothers who share their wisdom while raising our children with love; or any of the unique individual women who matter just by being their true selves.

The month of March also marks the annual recognition of the contribution women have made and continue to make to political and social equality in our country. It is a chance to reflect on how much remains to be done to ensure women have equal rights and opportunity in the United States.

Women make essential contributions to their communities and our economy, but their pay continues to lag, with women earning 84% compared to men performing the same job. Worse, the gender pay gap widens as women age.

We must respect their contributions by ensuring that every woman is paid a living wage. We must raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.

A higher minimum wage also strengthens retirement security. In 2019, the average annual Social Security income received by women 65 years and older was $13,505, compared to $17,374 for men. A $15 minimum wage would mean higher Social Security benefits upon retirement, while strengthening the Social Security Trust Fund.

Together, we can best honor women with true appreciation for their full range of accomplishments by treating them with the equality they have earned.

Sincerely,

Robert Roach, Jr.

President