Amazingly enough, despite our country's huge strides and advances in all aspects of life, women's rights are still not quite up to where they should be. This is a sad position to be in when we are often looked up to by other nations. We should be setting the proper example by doing tangible action instead of saying we will someday.

If women are not sufficiently supported in our society, be it socially, economically, politically and so on, we will all suffer. Young boys who grow up in a single mother household will be a product of his environment. If his mother could barley take care of him and give him the basics besides working two jobs, then our society will pay a price when he himself doesn't get a decent start in life. Many mothers are struggling just to make ends meet, no matter what their good intentions. Single mothers make up 27.7% of total people living in poverty in this country according to the latest Census bureau statistics. 79% of the single moms in the United States are employed and 44% are divorced. These figures paint a grim picture of families that are already in anguish and at a disadvantage, further perpetuating problems with the strain of poverty. Only 31% of single parents receive government assistance.

It would seem that in our nation equal work would equate with equal pay. This unfortunately is still not reality. Women with the same experience and education are still only making 75.4 cents to men's $1.00 according to 2003 Census Bureau information. Many studies go in depth as to why this is and that no real disparity exists in pay. Experts usually chalk this difference up to the "Mommy Track" or the time women spend taking care of children and less hours worked as a result. I am not completely convinced that this is true. And the worst is that we already have legislation in place to abolish this unfair practice that corporate America has undertaken. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was supposed to equal the playing field between men and women, equal work meant equal pay. This is evidence of another law not enforced. And now our government is looking to write another bill?

One enormous asset women can make use of to get ahead and stay ahead is education. Education is the great equalizer. I highly suggest that any woman whose employer offers to pay tuition in some form while she is employed take advantage of this. Can you think of a more valuable benefit? You may have to struggle a bit to juggle work and school, but any effort you put forth now will eventually pay you back one hundred fold. Once achieved, an education is invaluable and it can't be taken away. Education is what can get you promoted or be a bargaining chip towards getting better pay. With so many options to continue your education today be it online, work-friendly/flexible hours at schools and more, now is the best time to go back and get that diploma, certificate or degree.

The wage gap still exists but women today do have options to get ahead. They must think and plan ahead for their families' and their own futures. Extra effort now can pay in the long run. You are not alone; there are many resources and help available.
Just take that first scary step and make your mind up to do it because where there is a will there is a way.

Learn more about this author, Tansy Quesada.
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