Empowering Women and Girls: Poker Power’s Fight Against the Gender Pay Gap

Introduction

The gender pay gap continues to persist, creating obstacles for women in the business world. However, there are initiatives that aim to level the playing field and empower women. One such initiative is Poker Power, a company founded by women to teach poker as a means to build confidence and negotiation skills. With partnerships with prominent companies like Morgan Stanley and Comcast, Poker Power is making strides in bridging the gender pay gap.

The Gender Pay Gap and the Need for Change

Women, on average, earn just over 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. This glaring disparity highlights the need for change and empowerment. Poker Power recognizes this challenge and seeks to equip women with the necessary skills to overcome it. By teaching women to play poker, the company aims to instill confidence and risk-taking abilities that can translate into various aspects of their lives.

The Birth of Poker Power

The idea for Poker Power originated in late 2019 when the founder, Jenny Just, and her husband were teaching their daughter about reading opponents in tennis. They realized the importance of considering rivals and thought that learning poker could help. Just organized a group of ten women and girls for a few poker lessons, and the transformation was remarkable. From initially being hesitant and unsure, the participants grew in confidence and exhibited a palpable sense of empowerment.

Empowering Women On and Off the Table

Building on the success of the initial lessons, Poker Power has evolved into a company with a mission to empower one million women and girls. The poker table serves as a metaphor for various money-related situations women encounter in their professional lives. Skills such as capital allocation, risk-taking, and strategizing are honed through poker, enabling women to navigate the challenges they face.

Changing Perceptions and Breaking Barriers

Erin Lyndon, the president of Poker Power, initially had reservations about the idea. However, as she delved into the strategy behind the game and its relevance to women in the workplace, she became a passionate advocate. Poker Power was launched in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and quickly gained traction. By leveraging their connections in the finance world, the company now collaborates with finance, law, and tech organizations.

A Global Reach and Impact

Poker Power's influence extends across 40 countries, and they have partnered with 230 companies, including Comcast, Morgan Stanley, and Morningstar. The company's approach goes beyond teaching poker skills. They create a supportive and celebratory environment where women compete, learn, and grow together. This camaraderie is a stark contrast to traditional poker settings and fosters a mindset shift that extends beyond the poker table.

Competition and Growth

While Poker Power aims to empower women, they also emphasize the competitive nature of the game. By exposing women to risk and decision-making scenarios, they encourage learning from both wins and losses. The repetitive nature of the game helps women become more comfortable with taking risks in various aspects of their lives, such as negotiating for raises, promotions, or even asking for help with household chores.

Accessibility and Outreach

Poker Power offers affordable options to individuals, with four 60-minute classes priced at $50. This intentional pricing strategy ensures accessibility for all women. Additionally, the company charges higher rates for organizations, allowing them to bring the game to universities and high schools globally. Poker Power has successfully taught multiple cohorts of high schoolers in Kenya, where the impact is evident in the pride and empowerment displayed by the girls.

Conclusion

Poker Power is a trailblazer in the fight against the gender pay gap. By teaching women and girls to play poker, the company equips them with essential skills and instills confidence. Through partnerships with leading companies and a global outreach, Poker Power is making a significant impact on women's lives. With their empowering approach, women are encouraged to embrace risk, strategize, and negotiate like winning poker players both on and off the table.

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By: kbalevic@insider.com (Katie Balevic)
Title: Empowering Women and Girls: Poker Power’s Fight Against the Gender Pay Gap
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/gender-pay-equity-gap-teaching-women-girls-play-poker-2023-12
Published Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:09:30 +0000