October 16, 2024

Ms. Foundation for Women President and CEO Teresa C. Younger released the following statement in response to the passing of Lilly Ledbetter

“The Ms. Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of Lilly Ledbetter. Her belief that women should be paid the same wage as a man for the same work, and her activism for women’s equity and equal pay led to the creation of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009 which changed the workplace for women by helping to safeguard a women’s right to access the courts when fighting against pay discrimination.

By speaking up, Lilly made her fight, the fight of a generation. She reflected the strength and tenacity to stand strong and not turn back, continually finding a way to push forward. Her determination and truth telling is reflective of what the moment called for, making her personal political.

In 2024, there is still much work to be done in the fight for equal pay as women earn just 84% of what men are paid. More women have entered the workforce, yet the gender wage gap continues to halt their progress in the workforce. Women of color and older women face even higher wage gaps. We must all continue Lilly’s fight for equal pay and hold our representatives accountable so that women and men will be paid the same for equal work, once and for all – it’s high time for Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. We are grateful to Lilly for her pioneering work and activism and are thinking of her loved ones on the news of her passing.”