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[Para ver la versión en español visite aquí).
Dear Neighbors,
March shines a spotlight on the indomitable spirit of women throughout history and today. In celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day, we celebrate the extraordinary efforts of suffragists and trailblazing women who have tirelessly fought for gender equity and justice. We salute their bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment, recognizing their achievements not just this month, but throughout the entire year.
The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." In today's world, riddled with crises, the pursuit of gender equality has never been more crucial. UN Women emphasizes the enduring global gender gap, where women consistently earn less than men, encounter elevated unemployment rates, and frequently occupy positions in informal and precarious employment. Moreover, women bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic duties.
Six decades after federal legislation promised equal pay for equal work, the wage landscape in New York City tells a different story. Women trail behind their male counterparts in earnings across every field, from the legal profession to child care. A study by the Center for New York City Affairs at The New School, in collaboration with Women Creating Change, reveals a persistent and unsettling reality: women in the city earn just 90 cents for every dollar earned by men. While slightly above the national average of 87 cents, New York City's gender pay gap has remained stagnant since 2007.
The picture grows bleaker as we extend our gaze to the entirety of New York State, where women's earnings drop to 88 cents on the dollar compared to men. The disparity is even more stark among women of color, with Black women earning only 63 cents and Latina/Hispanic women a mere 56 cents for every dollar paid to white men. These troubling statistics underscore the urgent need for change in our state.
As your representative, I'm deeply concerned about this. I firmly believe that implementing gender-responsive financial policies, transitioning toward a green and caring society, and championing women changemakers are imperative steps in our journey towards progress. Ensuring the rights of women across all spheres of society is paramount for cultivating thriving, equitable economies and safeguarding a sustainable future for our planet.
That's why I spearhead legislation that strongly advocates for fair wages for New York's tipped workers, such as the One Fair Wage Act (S5567A). This isn't just about wages; it's about dignity and fairness for a workforce comprised of over two-thirds women, predominantly women of color, and including the highest proportion of single mothers compared to any other workforce. This demographic also faces one of the highest rates of sexual harassment in any industry. The bill intends to abolish subminimum wages, ensuring fair wages and tips for the backbone of our eateries.
My advocacy doesn't stop there; it's just as passionate when it comes to ensuring fair compensation for healthcare caseworkers. I stand strong in the fight for higher reimbursement rates and better working conditions for those who devote their lives to childcare. My dedication is unwavering toward the crusade for universal childcare, with a specific focus on strengthening New York's childcare infrastructure. Our vision is broad and inclusive, aiming not only to invest in childcare services but to provide them at no cost to parents, guaranteeing that our childcare workers are compensated fairly and justly.
Whether you're new to the gender equity and justice movement or a seasoned advocate, here are some suggestions on impactful ways to champion its objectives and lend your support.
Get to Know & Support Women in Government and Politics
- Empowering and uplifting women in all facets of government and politics is a crucial and invaluable way to create an inclusive and representative society. Women bring a unique perspective to the table, and their courage and ambition should be celebrated.
Support Gender Equity & Justice Policies
- Contact your local representatives to inquire about existing policies or perhaps suggest a new policy idea. Also, inquire whether they are supporting any relevant initiatives.
Finally, in alignment with this year's theme for Women's History Month, "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," here is a collection of influential films showcasing women & literature penned by female authors.
Films:
- She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971.
- Hidden Figures is phenomenal true story of the black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space. It's a powerful history revealing insights into race, discrimination, and achievement in modern America.
- Dolores - In the 1950s, a working-class wife and mother of eleven children helps establish a farmer’s union, evolving into a platform for feminism and gender equality. Dolores Huerta is a key, yet often overlooked, figure in American history.
Literary Works:
- Hood Feminism is a non-fiction book by Mikki Kendall about intersectionality and feminism.
- Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn, provides a cultural history of the impacts of misogyny on Western medicine and Western medical practice.
A Commitment to Equity in Our State Budget
As we enter a new month, my dedication to securing a state budget addressing community disparities remains constant. Amid legislative activities, I encourage your active engagement. Stay updated through my social media and senate website for information on hearings. Your involvement is crucial as we work towards a fair future for all.
Peace & blessings,
RJ
*I invite you to continue reading this weekly update for valuable information on resources and employment opportunities. Stay safe!*
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