CHARLOTTE -- The NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement’s Status of Women have released a new report on women in the workforce.

• June report states the gender wage gap has narrowed, but it’s not quite there yet
• Some 75 percent of mothers with kids under 18 have a job
• If pay for North Carolina's women was comparable to men, that pay increase totals out to $15.6 billion

The June report states the gender wage gap has narrowed, but it’s not quite there yet.

One of the key points states if pay for North Carolina's women was comparable to men, that pay increase totals out to $15.6 billion.

“Women need to be paid more to advance in society and to have equal roles," said Caryn Bedford of Smelly Cat Coffee. 

One Charlotte resident pointed out the need for women to work. Some 75 percent of mothers with kids under 18 have a job. 

“It’s hard for women to find jobs that can actually support a family," said Nanty Lopez. 

The report recommends include enforcing existing legislation regarding fair labor standards, expanding publicly-funded child care, and pushing employers to promote recruitment or training for women in jobs that have low female participation.