Jessica Alba used her platform to take a powerful stand for pay equity as she marked Latina Equal Pay Day in a rare political statement.
The Honest Company founder, 44, shared a photo of herself wearing a statement T-shirt that read, ’10 años de lucha… and you still owe us,’ while pointing proudly to the message.
The post commemorated ten years of activism surrounding #LatinaEqualPay Day, which highlights how far into the next year Latinas must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men made the previous year.
‘Today marks 10 years of #LatinaEqualPay Day — the day that represents how far into 2025 Latinas must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men made last year,’ Alba wrote in her caption. ‘And yet, Latinas are still paid just 54¢ for every $1 earned by white, non-Hispanic men — a gap that widens even more for immigrant, rural, and Central American women.’
The actress and entrepreneur went on to stress that the movement goes beyond just statistics.
Jessica Alba used her platform to take a powerful stand for pay equity as she marked Latina Equal Pay Day in a rare political statement
‘This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about narrative change, accountability, and economic justice,’ she declared, ending her post with a raised-fist emoji. ‘The pay gap harms Latinas, their families, and entire communities. We can’t — and shouldn’t — have to wait any longer to be paid fully and fairly. It’s time.’
Alba encouraged her followers to take action and learn more by visiting the organizations @mujerxrising and @artbyfaneshafabre, crediting the research group Justice for Migrant Women for data from their ‘Inside the Numbers: 2025 Latina Equal Pay Gap’ report.
Her impassioned message quickly drew praise in the comments from fans and fellow advocates applauding her for using her voice to champion equality, a cause she’s long supported through her work as a business leader and activist.
Over her career, the entrepreneur has long advocated for equal pay for women.
‘Women don’t get equal pay,’ she told Cosmopolitan in 2016. ‘There are not as many women in government positions or business positions. It’s just not equal. And until there is equality, you’re going to feel that, in any industry.’
During her interview, the Golden Globe winner referenced an essay Jennifer Lawrence wrote about feeling frustrated that she was paid less than her male American Hustle costars, Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale.
‘Girls should have an equal seat at the table,’ Alba insisted. ‘Take Jennifer Lawrence. I mean, she’s opening films – she’s the box-office draw just as much as any guy, if not more. She should be compensated for that.’
Even as a child, the performer explained she realized ‘it’s a man’s world.’
The Honest Company founder, 44, shared a photo of herself wearing a statement T-shirt that read, ’10 años de lucha… and you still owe us,’ while pointing proudly to the message
‘Today marks 10 years of #LatinaEqualPay Day — the day that represents how far into 2025 Latinas must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men made last year,’ Alba wrote in her post
‘From an early age I wanted to be stronger than the boys. It wasn’t enough that I was as good as the girls; I looked at the boys as standard. I was competitive with men. I think it’s because men dominated in so many ways in my life,’ she said.
This has led her to strive to be ‘the person who dictated how things were going to be and not have to answer to the man.’
‘Most of my life, I identified more with my masculine side,’ she said. ‘I was aggressive and super-masculine in my twenties. I got boobs when I was young, and was like, “What do I do?”‘
In her thirties, however, Alba said she learned ‘to be cool with the feminine.’
‘When I turned 30, I thought, ‘Oh, I’m feminine, I’m this sensual person and it’s OK.’ I didn’t understand it for so long and felt it held me back. I had to shed all the negativity. I was a glass half-empty girl – now I’m a glass half-full,’ she stated.
Alba has become more politically vocal in recent years, focusing on issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, the economy and Latino voter turnout; seen last year
Last year, the actress gave a speech at a Kamala Harris rally in Houston, where she formally endorsed her for president
Alba has become more politically vocal in recent years, focusing on issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, the economy, gun control and Latino voter turnout.
In September 2024, Alba hosted the Latino Victory Project’s ‘Brunch Like a Madre’ event.
‘This is a major, major year… Voting like a Madre is channeling that Latina energy of someone who is the center of the household,’ the actress said in her speech at the event. ‘You don’t have to be a woman either to channel that madre energy, either. We all need to protect this planet, so that we can protect each other. Literally protecting the planet is protecting the human beings that live on this planet.’
The campaign aims to increase Latina voter turnout.
A month later, she gave a speech at a Kamala Harris rally in Houston, where she formally endorsed her for president.
