March is Women’s History Month Thanks to Mayor Mike for allowing me to take over
his column in honor of this month – a time to celebrate the extraordinary achievements
of women and to reflect on the ongoing journey toward gender equality. From securing
the right to vote to breaking glass ceilings in every field, women have made remarkable
progress. However, in the face of present and persistent challenges, it is clear that the
work is far from done.
As a local committeewoman and an advocate for equity, I’m
especially concerned about the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
initiatives and how we can ensure women’s rights remain a priority in our communities –
local and large.
Our history is rich with stories of women who defied barriers to create change. From
trailblazing suffragists to the unsung heroines of our local community, their
accomplishments inspire us. Today, women are leading businesses, advancing science,
and championing social change. Yet, progress is uneven, and many barriers still
remain, especially for women of color, LGBTQ+ women and women with disabilities.
This month reminds us to honor the past while forging a path to a more equitable future.
Despite decades of progress, women continue to face systemic challenges:
– Women earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar a man earns, with an even
wider gap for women of color.
– Access to affordable healthcare, childcare, and workplace protections remains
inadequate for many.
– Invisible labor, child rearing, and home management rests primarily on women.
– Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.
– Women are the vast majority of victims of gender-based violence.
These issues intersect deeply with DEI initiatives, underscoring the need to prioritize
inclusive policies and practices that uplift all women. I would be remiss, however, to
ignore the criticism that these efforts can sometimes disproportionately benefit White
women, highlighting the need to examine how we can ensure DEI efforts are truly
intersectional.
Poll workers are needed on Election Day. You need to be a
registered voter living in Camden County, have transportation and be
ready to get paid $300 for your service. Training will be provided.
For more information, call
(856) 401-8683.
