Women’s History Month: Growth in women business owners, address pay gap

Knowing that March is Women’s History Month, it’s time to put a spotlight on women making history in South Mississippi.

Things have changed in terms of women taking charge and leading the way in many ways in South Mississippi. For example, it is not unusual to see more female driven prominent roles in the business world.

Currently in the United States, 42 percent of businesses are women-owned which also brings attention to the gender pay gap.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce CEO Adele Lyons tells News 25 when you look at the numbers, the stats can be discouraging. “In the state of Mississippi, its 75% for every 75 cents. In the United States, its 82 cents. So, we are below the national average. People have to realize that pay has to come up. There’s no reason for a difference in pay between a male and a female that are doing the same jobs with the same experience.”

Over the course of several years the gender pay gap issue continues to be a hot topic with legislation.