Dear Colleagues,
The new year has been filled with renewed energy and excitement for the months ahead which include growing the WFN team and reflecting on the past achievements of our movement.
That’s why we’re proud to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This landmark legislation was signed into law on January 29, 2009. This milestone marked progress in recognizing and rectifying the gender pay gap, but our journey towards global equality is far from complete.
The Lilly Ledbetter Act, named after a courageous advocate for fair pay, addressed the limitations on employees’ ability to file pay discrimination claims. It extended the time in which individuals could challenge unequal pay practices, recognizing the often-hidden nature of wage disparities and the need for a fair and just legal framework.
However, the journey towards achieving true equality is ongoing. It is crucial to acknowledge that there are still unfinished battles on the path to inclusivity. One such critical area is the fight for transgender rights. In the coming months, WFN will focus on amplifying our efforts to work alongside partners addressing gender oppression and inequality in countries across the world. We invite each of you to pledge to do better, engage in conversations, events, and initiatives that contribute to a fairer and more just world. Whether it’s advocating for equal access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities, our collective actions can make a meaningful impact.
Thank you for your dedication to our shared values of equality and justice.
In solidarity,
Elizabeth Barajas-Román
Women’s Funding Network
President & CEO