Hello
Like many of you, I too, am still grappling with the senseless killing of eight people at three Atlanta spas earlier this month, including six Asian women. I extend my deepest sympathy to the families of those who died and were injured. I continue to stand in solidarity with our Asian sisters who are mourning this tragedy on top of anti-Asian hatred in the wake of COVID-19.
We must acknowledge that the one-two punch of racism and sexism are at the root of this anti-Asian hate and violence that disproportionately impacts women. New polling conducted by the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) in February and March revealed that nearly half of the Asian American and Pacific Islander women respondents had been affected by anti-Asian racism in the past two years. Additionally, data compiled by the organization Stop AAPI Hate shows that between March 19, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020, there were more than 2,808 firsthand accounts of anti-Asian hate from 47 states and the District of Columbia. According to the data, women were attacked almost twice as often as men.
We must raise our voices to demand an end to anti-Asian hate and violence against women. Our thoughts and prayers for victims not enough – they must be replaced by action and accountability. There are a number of ways that we, as Black women, can take action against AAPI hate. You can write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper condemning white supremacy, you can show your allyship on your social media platforms, or you can make a donation to an organization like NAPAWF, a Reproductive Justice organization whose mission is to lift up AAPI women and girls.
If you witness or are aware of an incident of AAPI hate or violence, report it here.
Marcela Howell
President & CEO
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda
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The Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act, was introduced in the House and the Senate on March 25, 2021. This legislation is one bold step closer to ending the racist and oppressive Hyde Amendment and related abortion coverage restrictions. If passed abortion care services would be covered by private and government insurance programs. The EACH Act stands to address some of the barriers that prevent Black women and gender-expansive individuals from accessing the abortion care they need.
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NOW Racial Justice Summit: Reproductive Justice |
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Vice President for Government Affairs Michelle Batchelor participated in a virtual discussion with the National Organization for Women (NOW) on why Reproductive Justice needs to be at the center of the reproductive rights movement.
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Confirm Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke |
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Please take a few moments to contact your senators and urge them to confirm Vanita Gupta for Associate Attorney General and Kristen Clarke for the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice. These qualified women should be confirmed without delay!
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The Next Generation Leadership Institute fellows have been working diligently to eradicate period poverty on their campuses. Fellows at HBCUs across the nation have been leading the charge on addressing menstrual equity concerns taking place in their communities. Get the full rundown on how our fellows have been championing equitable access to period products for all menstruators. |
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'Feminine Care is Self-Care' |
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Dillard University fellows Kalaya Sibley and Amaya Ronzyck hosted "Feminine Care is Self-Care," a two-day event that promotes feminine wellness, vaginal health and provide students with free menstrual products, at Dillard University on March 9th and 10th. Kalaya shared her experience combating vaginal health stigmas and eliminate period poverty on her campus with In Our Own Voice. |
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Afro News Period Poverty Facebook Live |
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Dillard University fellow Kalaya Sibley and Hampton University fellow Amber Wynne joined the Afro News on Facebook Live to discuss how they are bringing awareness and combatting period poverty on their campuses. |
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601 for Period Equity
Since co-founding 601 for Period Equity in January, Spelman University fellow Asia Brown has donated nearly 500 care packages to women's shelters, schools, community organizations, and menstruators in need across Mississippi. Asia shares her experience leading 601 Period Poverty with In Our Own Voice.
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Hampton University fellow Amber Wynne was featured in The Lily for her efforts to raise awareness of period poverty and supply students in need with menstrual products.
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Black Maternal Health Week
SisterReach, in partnership with Black Mamas Matter Alliance, will host a week of events celebrating Black Maternal Health Week on April 11-17.
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Get Tested, Grab a Bite
The Afiya Center will host Get Tested, Grab a Bite on National HIV Testing Day (June 27) in Dallas, Texas.
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Director of Digital Content and Strategies |
Job responsibilities include leading and managing In Our Own Voice’s online presence through our websites, social media channels, and multi-media content. Please share this great job opportunity with your networks.
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Job responsibilities include identifying policy and regulatory needs, creating advocacy plans, and conducting educational outreach to the administration, federal agency staff, and Members of Congress regarding sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice issues. Please share this great job opportunity with your networks. |
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