Announcement
The YWCA actively advocates for women
03/02/2010
YWCAs in New Jersey have given top priority to the following issues, and are actively calling upon their state representatives in Congress to address:
- Women’s economic empowerment
Women earn only 79.2 cents on the dollar compared to men in New Jersey, and women of color fare considerably worse on nearly every indicator of women’s economic status. The YWCA supports legislation to enforce equal pay for equal jobs and to penalize businesses where race and gender discrepancies exist.
- Racial justice–closing the minority achievement gap
While the state of New Jersey mandates a “thorough and efficient” education for all children, the academic performance of minority children continues to lag behind that of their white counterparts. Such imbalances indicate the presence of deeply embedded inequities in our society. In response, the YWCA calls on the New Jersey Department of Education to research the causes and effects of the minority academic achievement gap, and to develop and fund strategies statewide to close or significantly reduce this gap for the benefit and well-being of all New Jersey citizens.
- Anti-violence, including domestic and sexual violence as well as sexting
The number of domestic violence and sexual assault cases continues to grow, yet the State of New Jersey has considered taking measures that will effectively reduce funding to lead domestic violence agencies. The YWCA actively supports legislation to retain and increase agency funding. Also growing exponentially are cases of sexting by young girls who are then charged with child pornography. The YWCA advocates for state and local funding for educational programs about this problem, and supports legislation that protects rather than hurts victims.
- Child care and youth development, specifically afterschool and preschool funding
In the State of New Jersey, funding for afterschool care is limited and does not reach most children ages 13-17 who are at high risk. Preschool care also is an issue in more affluent areas where pockets of poverty exist. The YWCA advocates for government funding to address both issues.
- Reproductive health
The YWCA believes that it is the right of all women to make decisions regarding their reproductive and sexual health. Being free to exercise this right offers women the potential for greater economic independence; ensures that options are available to survivors of sexual abuse; supports the reduction of unplanned pregnancies, along with greater opportunity for planned pregnancies; and contributes to the growth and development of stronger, healthier families. Therefore, the YWCA considers reproductive and sexual health essential, including education and access to safe and legal abortion.
