BUFFALO, N.Y. — On average, women that work year-round, full time, are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. That's according to the National Women's Law Center.

"If roles and responsibilities are substantially similar, they should be paid the same," noted Elizabeth Cordello, an attorney with the Law Offices of Pullano and Farrow.

What You Need To Know

  • On average, women that work year-round, full time, are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men, according to the National Women's Law Center

  • Passed New York state laws would protect somebody's ability to discuss salaries with coworkers or ask for wages  

  • Women may make 15% less, but that varies depending on geographical area, race and industry

The gender pay gap even affects women who own their own businesses.

"Typically, the average age of starting a business for a woman is 45-54. After being in the workforce for a couple of decades and experiencing that discrimination for a couple of decades, it carries into their values that they set aside for their business," said Sara Vescio, the executive director with the Women's Business Center at Canisius College.

Vescio added that The Women's Business Center helps with opportunities and making connections for female entrepreneurs, but also focuses on challenges.

"Capital has consistently and annually been an issue for women entrepreneurs,” she said. “They get less funds given to them as a woman owner than their male counterparts and when they do get funds, they get a lower dollar amount.” 

According to Forbes, the coronavirus pandemic put more than 2 million women out of the workforce. The work-life balance with closed schools in the pandemic also has added stress.

"They're having to do these meetings with kids in the background and they are being told they aren't very professional or judged in a way that men aren't," added Cordello.

Women may make 15 percent less, but that varies depending on geographical area, race and industry.

"Women should be aware, at least in New York, it's now illegal for employers to inquire about their prior salary history," stated Cordello.   

According to the attorney, in New York state, there are specific laws in place to help the gender wage gap, but not all women may know about them. 

"A lot of laws have passed regarding that would protect somebody's ability to discuss salaries with coworkers or ask for wages," added Cordello.

The journey to close the gap isn't over, but neither is their fight.