What to Know About the Equal Pay Activist Lilly Ledbetter, Who Inspired Lilly

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Lilly Ledbetter: The Woman Who Fought for Equal Pay and Inspired a Law

Lilly Ledbetter, a name synonymous with the fight for equal pay, is the subject of a new documentary, "Lilly," which highlights her tireless efforts and the landmark legislation she inspired. This film delves into Ledbetter's personal journey, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The documentary weaves together real interviews and speeches, including insights from the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who played a crucial role in Ledbetter's fight. Ginsburg, in her dissenting opinion on Ledbetter's Supreme Court case against Goodyear, encouraged Ledbetter to take her fight to Congress.

Ledbetter's battle for equal pay wasn't easy. She faced the challenge while her husband battled cancer, undergoing a jaw removal during the process. Despite these hardships, her husband was fully supportive of her efforts, including her trips to Washington D.C. to lobby for the bill.

Her perseverance ultimately paid off. On January 29, 2009, just nine days into his presidency, Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law. This was the first major piece of legislation he signed. The law addressed a critical issue: it allowed employees to file pay discrimination claims within 180 days of their *last* paycheck, rather than the first discriminatory paycheck. This change was crucial because it addressed the ongoing nature of pay discrimination.

While the law was a victory, it's important to note that Ledbetter herself didn't receive back pay from Goodyear because the discriminatory paychecks occurred before the law was enacted. However, the impact of her fight is undeniable, and she even got to dance with President Obama on Inauguration Day, a dream come true for the ballroom dancer. "Lilly" offers a powerful look at a woman who transformed the landscape of equal pay in America.

Keywords: Lilly Ledbetter, Equal Pay, Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Pay Discrimination, Goodyear, Barack Obama, Documentary, Equal Pay Legislation, Women's Rights, Workplace Equality, Paycheck, Discrimination, Law, Congress, Inauguration Day

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