“Black women work hard and significantly contribute to California’s economy, yet the system continues to work against them,” said Hannah Orbach-Mandel, policy analyst at the California Budget & Policy Center. “The Black women wage gap doesn’t just affect Black women, it hurts families and entire communities. Without targeted policy interventions, these disparities will persist for generations, keeping Black women and their families in cycles of economic hardship.”

The wage gap means Black women and Black single mothers must often work multiple jobs to afford essentials such as housing, groceries, and child care. They continue to face a wage gap due to decades of systemic racism and sexism and policies that have not been updated with consideration and support for Black women. The report highlights that if Black women earned wages equal to those of white men, they could afford an additional eight years of groceries, a full year of rent, or two years of child care, significantly improving their families' financial well-being.

“This report confirms what Black women in California have known for generations — our labor is invaluable, but our worth is consistently undervalued. The wage gap is not just a number; it’s a reflection of systemic racism and sexism that has persisted for far too long,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, founding president and CEO of the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute. “Black women are the backbone of our families and communities, yet we’re forced to navigate economic systems that were never designed to support us. It’s time for policymakers to enact bold, transformative policies that prioritize pay equity, affordable child care, and leadership opportunities for Black women. Economic justice for Black women isn’t just beneficial for us — it strengthens California as a whole.”

The report outlines key policy recommendations to address these disparities, including:

• Strengthening pay transparency and equity laws to combat wage discrimination.
• Expanding access to affordable child care programs to reduce financial burdens on single mothers.
• Supporting workforce development in high-growth industries to improve job opportunities for Black women.
• Increasing investment in affordable housing to address the high cost of living.
• Promoting leadership development programs to increase Black women’s representation in higher-paying roles.

“This isn’t just about paychecks; it’s about ending discrimination and ensuring that Black women, single moms, and their families have the resources they need to thrive,” said Laura Pryor, research director at the California Budget & Policy Center. “California has the opportunity to lead in closing these wage gaps by implementing policies that promote economic security.”

For more information and resources, visit the Budget Center’s website at www.CalBudgetCenter.org.

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About the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute:

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) is dedicated to improving the lives of Black women and girls across California. Through strategic partnerships with corporate, social, nonprofit, and advocacy organizations, CABWCEI develops programs and initiatives that drive meaningful change by dismantling systemic social, economic, and physical barriers.

CABWCEI is the anchor organization for the California Black Women’s Think Tank in partnership with California State University, Dominguez Hills. The Institute’s work is focused on elevating the voice, power, and participation of Black women to ensure adequate representation, amplify critical issues, and organize the collective talent, influence, and networks of Black women across the state.  For more information, visit www.CABlackWomensCollective.org.

The California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) is a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit advancing public policies that expand opportunities and promote well-being for all Californians.

Source: California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute