Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded in 1988 to encompass September 15 through October 15. September 15 marks the anniversaries of independence from Spain for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with Mexico celebrating its independence on September 16.
NOW members are honored to recognize the rich history, culture, and influences of the more than 63 million Hispanic and Latino Americans across our country. Generations of Hispanic women have also helped advance the fight for equality. From labor and civil rights leader and feminist Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, to Guatemalan-born labor organizer Luisa Moreno, Latinas have been at the forefront of struggles for economic justice, workers’ rights, civil rights, and women’s equality.
But this is also a time for determination. Immigration crackdowns, efforts to make English the “official language” of the United States, and continued attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies have placed this year’s celebrations under a cloud. Concerns about immigration enforcement have even led some communities to postpone or cancel heritage celebrations.
Economic inequality remains a significant concern. In 2024, Latinas working full time, year-round were typically paid just 58 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. When part-time and part-year workers are included, Latinas were typically paid only 54 cents for every dollar.
This gap limits economic opportunities, increases the risk of poverty, and affects the financial security of families and future generations. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, a typical Latina working full-time year-round stands to lose about $1.2 million over the course of a 40-year career because of this wage gap.
NOW supports solutions that promote fair participation and long-term economic stability for Hispanic workers. We also support enforcement of existing laws and protections, stronger accountability for employers, increased resources for workers seeking justice, and policies that address the challenges Latinas face in the workforce — including sexual harassment, discrimination, and the ways immigration status can affect workplace rights and economic security.
We are also concerned about the Trump Administration’s proposed changes for the 2030 U.S. Census. This proposal would eliminate questions about race and ethnicity and change the rules governing how immigrants are included in the population count. These changes could have far-reaching consequences for redistricting, civil rights enforcement, public policy, and efforts to understand disparities in health and economic outcomes.