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Many times during my years at Chrysalis, I have been asked "...but what about men and boys?" It's as though, through our focus on girls and women, we leave the needs of men behind. But equity is not a zero-sum game.
Our mission leads us to the real data documenting the inequalities women face, and the past year has been extremely challenging for girls and women in a number of ways. There are ongoing issues of wage disparity, violence, access to healthcare, and political representation, but increasingly, it feels as though we're losing ground. For example:
- Dismantling DEI protections, removing civil rights and discrimination policies in hiring practices and reopening the door to potential racism and sexism
- Cuts to the Social Security Administration, closing offices, and phasing out telephone services threatens the economic security of elderly Americans
- Upcoming increases in the cost of healthcare will jeopardize the wellbeing of millions who cannot afford coverage
- Political appointees without adequate qualifications has led to elimination of vital health-related research, misinformation on vaccines and medications, and loss of access to critical health information
- Discounting violence, particularly against women and girls, punishing survivors, and protecting abusers has become the norm
- Censoring teachers, eliminating curriculum, and banning books prevents learning from history, understanding human development, and appreciating our cultural heritages
As a grant maker, we recognize the burden these challenges place on the nonprofit sector. Nationally, 81% of nonprofits report increased demands for services during the last year, many which have lost public funding.
For Chrysalis, we recognize that gender disparities affect more than just girls and women –but more often, girls and women are the hardest hit. Women and girls face more discrimination, experience poverty and lower pay, suffer more often from violence and harassment, and spend more time in unpaid caregiving and domestic work than men do.
We will continue to raise awareness about these issues, and we're connecting with nonprofit partners to provide both money and education. Another proven tool we'll employ is expanding Chrysalis After-School - the most effective way to prepare young women to become strong and committed citizens.
You can help. Your gift of $1 a day, $365 a year, will ensure that one more girl can become part of a proven opportunity to set and reach her own goals.
I hope you’ll join me in this important work with your gift as a 365 Donor this holiday season! Best wishes from the entire staff and board,
Terry
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