Women currently hold just 8.2% of CEO roles, a number projected to rise to 15% by 2025 and 20% by 2030. Despite progress, the gender pay gap remains a major issue - women typically earn only 75 cents for every dollar paid to a man, amounting to a $14,170 annual shortfall.
But cannabis is changing the narrative. The industry is narrowing the pay gap faster than traditional sectors, and Deborah Saneman, one of the few female CEOs in cannabis, is helping drive meaningful change. Through mentorship, education, and workforce data, she is committed to creating more opportunities for women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs.
"At Würk, we equip businesses with the tools to create diverse, compliant, and thriving workplaces. Early insights from our recently launched Compensation Benchmarking tool reveal that the cannabis industry is setting a new standard for gender pay equity, with a pay gap of just $0.04 per hour for hourly budtenders - far outperforming national averages in traditional industries," says Deborah Saneman, CEO of Würk. "While there is always more work to be done, this reflects that an inclusive and equitable workplace isn't just aspirational; it's achievable. By continuing to champion women in leadership and create opportunities for growth, we can accelerate this momentum and drive lasting change. I am dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equity - both at Würk and across the industry."
The cannabis industry's strides in pay equity demonstrate a broader shift toward inclusivity. Industry-specific initiatives, such as mentorship programs and compensation transparency tools, are further strengthening opportunities for women to thrive. As more businesses prioritize equity and inclusion, the industry may set a precedent for others to follow.
For more information:
Würk
www.enjoywurk.com