Forest City, IA-Women are making strides in the workplace to close the gender gap.A small group of women are actually making more than their male counterparts.
Waldorf student Ali March says, " I think that women are just as deserving and qualified now to make as much money as male counterparts in their field."
A study looking at recent census data shows women under 30 with a college education and without children earn more than their male counterparts.
They earn eight percent more than the men.
And a big reason, more women are pursuing college.
Waldorf Dean of Students Jason Ramaker says, "our female graduation rate is 44%. I think what were seeing is more women coming to college more prepared."
Ramaker says at Waldorf college, it appears women are more motivated and may feel like there are more opportunities.
"There coming in with a lot more confidence and saying hey that's something I can do,” says Ramaker.”
And that's exactly what March sees in her classes.
More women going after traditionally male career fields.
“I’m actually a biology major and the sciences have usually been dominated by men. But I am seeing more women,” says March.
You can see why this might be when you look at the composition of modern college classroom. There are three women for every two men graduating from college today. Also women are thinking about a career first and having a family later."
Ramaker says, “I see some of our young college students with a lot more drive, a lot more focus especially the women. They're very goal oriented and their definitely thinking about their career first and waiting to have a family later.”
With more females pursuing a college education the more chances they have for closing that so-called gender gap.
Ramaker says, “I think both men and women understand that it feels more equal in terms of payment and in terms of opportunity."
This reverse gender gap only applies to this certain group of women.
Women over thirty still make eighty cents on average for every dollar men make.
