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Issue Explainer

Women's Rights

As a nation, we’ve made great strides in the fight for equality. But there’s still a ways to go.
Kimberly Eckert is a high school English teacher in Louisiana
Published: December 2, 2021

Title IX, enacted in 1972, protects Americans from sex-based discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal financial aid. But there’s a world of difference between official policy and today’s realities. 

On average, women still earn just 80 cents for every dollar earned by men, with women of color receiving even less. Women are discouraged from seeking some jobs and forced out of the workplace when they become pregnant or struggle to achieve work-life balance after having a baby.

NEA advocates for legislation to ensure gender equity in education and the workplace, and to address violence against women.

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

  • Support

    HR 12 Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on March 30, 2023

    Preserve the right of women to control their own bodies, the ability of healthcare providers to treat patients from other states, and prevent restrictions on legal medications and procedures.r own bodies, the ability of healthcare providers to treat patients from other states, and prevent restrictions on legal medications and procedures.

  • Support

    HR 17 Paycheck Fairness Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on March 10, 2023

    The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes. Without the Paycheck Fairness Act, the economic damage women experienced during the pandemic will continue to be compounded by pay discrimination—setting them back even further over the course of their careers.

  • Support

    S 728 Paycheck Fairness Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on March 9, 2023

    The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes. Without the Paycheck Fairness Act, the economic damage women experienced during the pandemic will continue to be compounded by pay discrimination—setting them back even further over the course of their careers.

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NEA leaders and teachers at women's march

Women's Leadership Training

NEA has a century-long legacy of advocacy and leadership for women.
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How Unions are Closing the Gender Pay Gap Among Faculty

At UMass Amherst, a study of faculty pay found something surprising: among full professors, women actually get paid more than men, on average. The reason? Their union.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

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Harriet Tubman memorial bronze statue

Women's History Month for the Classroom

Integrate women's history into your classroom with our list of curated lessons, activities, background reading, and more.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.