"In 2007, I worked alongside powerhouses in my field but progress is still slow" - Venus Williams on the equal pay movement 

In a recent Instagram video, Venus Williams called on people to join the equal pay movement, aimed at reducing the gender wage gap. Venus stated that while tennis offers equal prize money to men and women in most tournaments, the process is "slow and long overdue" in many other fields.

Former World No. 1 Venus Williams and her clothing firm, EleVen, have decided to devote the month of March to the 'equal pay movement,' raising awareness about the inequality that exists in the wages of men and women all over the world. As per EleVen, women "aren’t paid equal to their male counterparts" despite working more hours.

EleVen posted a video of their movement on Instagram on Tuesday, with Williams providing a voiceover. She recalled how she and the other players of the WTA, inspired by the likes of Bille Jean King and Arthur Ashe, fought for equal prize money in tennis in 2007 and accomplished their goal.

Keeping this in mind, she emphasized that she wants the movement to succeed so that wage equality is achieved even in other sports and occupations.

"Join the equal pay movement. Together, we can shine a bright spotlight on wages and equality. In 2007, I worked alongside powerhouses in my field, with equal pay in tennis, following the path of Bille Jean King and Arthur Ashe paved long before me. But progress is still slow. This is long overdue," said Williams.

Throwing light on the current situation, Williams stressed that as of now, despite working full-time, women are "paid only 84 cents for every dollar paid to a man" for the same kind of work.

Urging everyone to join the movement, the 41-year-old claimed that they could all also participate in a fundraiser. Organized by one of her partners, Girls Inc., it could thus contribute to the noble cause.

"The reality is women working full-time and year-round are paid 84 cents to every dollar paid to a man. Please join the movement to close the gender pay gap and you can participate by fundraising for our partner, Girls Inc., and by raising your voice to raise awareness about this important issue..." added the seven-time Grand Slam winner.

Venus Williams last played a professional match in August 2021

Venus Williams at the French Open 2020 US Open - Day 2

Venus Williams was last witnessed on the court at the Chicago Women's Open in August 2021 where she, unfortunately, suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Hsieh Su-Wei. The American later suffered a leg injury, ruling her out for the remainder of the year. She finished the 2021 tennis season with a poor win-loss record of 3-9.

The former World No. 1 hasn't recovered from her leg injury yet and recently missed the Australian Open. Interestingly, this was the first occasion since 1997 when neither Williams sisters featured at the "Happy Slam."

Having not played professional tennis for more than six months, Venus Williams' return date to the WTA tour remains uncertain

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