In an effort to help women in New York advocate for themselves in the workplace, the Queens Public Library is hosting a series of free salary negotiation training sessions.

In conjunction with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the American Association of University Women and two other library services within Queen, the QPL is launching a citywide initiative, titled “Ask for More” to equip thousands of women with professional development skills and tools to negotiate for better salaries and benefits.

“These workshops bring New York one step closer to the city we want to be, one where everyone is getting paid what they deserve,” said Faye Penn, executive director of women.nyc.

The free sessions are aimed to reach women of all backgrounds throughout the city; according to organizers, the program will include Spanish-language programs and diversified training specific to various industries.

“Ask for More” workshops will reportedly also include an online course created to “empower women by teaching them to assess their market value, research competitive salaries in the field, and articulate their worth.”

According to a study from the National Partnership for Women and Families, men in New York make nearly $7,000 more than women, with the gap being even more for women of color.

Former Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, who chairs women.nyc, said these sessions will mark a turning point in gender pay equality in the city.

“In offices across this city, women are being paid less than they deserve; this is a status quo we can no longer accept,” Glen said. “We’re giving women at all income levels real tools to advocate for themselves, negotiate for their worth and put real money in their pockets.”

The first session will take place at Queens Library Central on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. Women who are interested in signing up for the workshops can do so at women.nyc.

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