What's Holding Us Back? Key Insights from The Forum's Pay Equity LinkedIn Live

This week, The Forum hosted our inaugural LinkedIn Live event, bringing together influential voices in Pennsylvania's policy and advocacy landscape for a critical conversation about pay equity. "What's Holding Us Back: Exposing Barriers to Pay Equity in PA" offered a rare opportunity to witness the collective wisdom and forward-thinking strategies of the women who are fighting for workplace equality across our state.

The 30-minute session featured an exceptional lineup of Pennsylvania's equity leaders, hosted by Forum CEO & President Meghan Pierce. Our distinguished panelists included Kelly Sheard, Chief Strategy Officer at WOMEN'S WAY and Representative Jennifer O'Mara of the Pennsylvania House.

This wasn't just another policy discussion. It was a deep dive into the structural and cultural challenges that continue to drive pay inequity, and an exploration of what it will take to create lasting change. We were thrilled to use this platform to spotlight key findings from The Forum's 2025 Pay Equity Report and to explore meaningful ways advocates, employers, and policymakers can work together to close the gender pay gap.

The conversations that unfolded revealed not only the persistent barriers these leaders face in their work, but also their innovative approaches to overcoming obstacles and their compelling visions for achieving true pay equity in Pennsylvania.

Discussion Themes

Throughout the discussion, each panelist reiterated several critical themes. The first is that pay equity encompasses far more than just wages—it's about creating comprehensive workplace equality that includes working conditions, protections, and benefits. The conversation revealed that Pennsylvania's equal pay law hasn't seen meaningful updates since 1960, highlighting the urgent need for legislative modernization.

The second prevailing theme centered on the caregiving burden that disproportionately affects women's career trajectories. Women often face an impossible choice between advancing their careers and fulfilling caregiving responsibilities, leading to workforce exits or reduced earning potential. This systemic issue requires both policy solutions and cultural shifts in how we approach work-life balance.

Lastly, the economic case for change is compelling. Pennsylvania is losing talented women to other states that offer better workplace protections, like paid family leave. Implementing comprehensive equity policies would not only retain and attract talent but also strengthen our state's economy through increased workforce participation and tax revenue.

Call to Action from Panelists

1) Engage in the Political Process

The panelists emphasized the importance of civic engagement: know your lawmakers and make them aware of your priorities. Both individuals and organizations must actively participate in the legislative process to drive meaningful change.

2) Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms

Representative O'Mara highlighted the need for stronger tools and resources to ensure pay equity legislation can be effectively implemented and enforced at the state level.

3) Lead by Example

Organizations and individuals must move beyond rhetoric to action. This means operationalizing gender equity in policies, practices, and daily interactions from inclusive language to comprehensive benefit structures.

4) Foster Understanding and Collaboration

The conversation emphasized the need for better communication about legislative processes and clearer pathways for different stakeholders to contribute their expertise and resources to the cause.

5) Maintain Momentum

The panelists were clear: until we see meaningful progress on pay equity, the work must continue. This requires sustained effort from advocates, employers, and policymakers working in concert.

The session concluded with a powerful reminder that pay equity isn't just a moral imperative, it is an economic necessity. The Forum's 2025 Pay Equity Report serves as both a diagnostic tool and a roadmap for creating the systemic change Pennsylvania needs to build a more equitable future for all workers.