The media and pundits have made much of the influence of people of color on this election – and the changing demographics that will make people of color the majority of the population by 2050.
Although women of color are growing in electoral influence, they still face disproportionate barriers to equality, including higher rates of sexual violence, increased harassment in the workplace, cultural and language barriers in access to health care and economic disparities. How we choose to address the concerns of women of color now will shape tomorrow’s future.
Fortunately, the Ms. Foundation is at the forefront of efforts to eliminate poverty, discrimination and social injustice. We were ahead of the curve in recognizing the demographic trends and shifting our attention toward a more diverse and inclusive women’s movement. We’ve made a special commitment to building the power of low-income, immigrant and women of color to effect change that resonates in their lives, as well as the lives of all U.S. women.
Since women were so instrumental in getting President Obama re-elected, how can he return the favor? Tell us which issues are most important to you. If you were president, would you repeal the Hyde Amendment, giving low-income women abortion coverage through Medicaid? Would you ensure affordable child care? Or expand the Violence Against Women Act to include protections for LGBTQ women, undocumented immigrants and Native Americans?
How would you help women – particularly, women of color – translate electoral influence into equality?
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