Gender equality has long been a pressing issue in various industries, including Hollywood. While significant strides have been made, female actors and advocates are still pushing for the systemic changes needed to achieve fairness.
Cate Blanchett articulated the sentiment well, emphasizing that the fight for women’s rights is not a trend but a necessary, enduring movement. However, the journey to equality has been fraught with challenges. For decades, many actresses hesitated to speak out about inequities for fear of being labeled as “difficult.” Jessica Chastain noted that such fears were rooted in the double standards actresses face compared to their male counterparts in terms of pay and freedom of expression.
The stark pay gap in Hollywood was brought into sharp focus with the 2017 reshoots for All The Money in the World. Mark Wahlberg received $1.5 million for additional work, while Michelle Williams was paid less than $1,000 for the same. Such disparities, especially when actors share the same agency, highlight the glaring inequalities that persist.
Patricia Arquette has called for collective action, urging everyone to stand together to fight for women’s rights. Rooney Mara observed that unequal pay and opportunity are pervasive issues across industries, not limited to entertainment. While progress is being made, she noted, much work remains.
The statistics back this up: 55 years after the Equal Pay Act was passed in the United States, women still earn only 82 cents for every dollar men make. Equal Pay Day, symbolizing how far into the year women must work to match the previous year’s earnings of men, falls in April.
For women looking to address pay inequality in their own careers, Jeanne Salts offers practical advice. When negotiating for a raise, preparation is key:
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Document Achievements: Present concrete evidence of accomplishments to justify the request.
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Aim High: Start negotiations slightly above the target to allow room for compromise.
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Stay Composed: Avoid emotional arguments, and maintain confidence throughout the discussion.
Salts also encourages women to unite, as the women of the BBC did in 2017 when they wrote an open letter demanding equal pay.
While progress is slow, the continued efforts of advocates, activists, and allies are bringing us closer to a world where gender no longer determines pay or opportunity. It’s a fight that extends far beyond Hollywood, reminding us all to take a stand for fairness in our own lives.
