Advocacy
The YWCA of the City of New York has a proud history of advocacy that continues today, as we partner with YWCAs from around the world to pursue our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Our legislative priorities include women’s economic empowerment, racial justice and women’s health.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
The YWCA is working to reduce wage disparities, provide worker protections and increase sustainable wage jobs and non-traditional employment opportunities for women and people of color. We also support legislation for affordable housing, childcare, displaced homemakers and domestic violence services.
The YWCA:
- Works to secure federal workforce dollars for women which will provide skills assessment, labor market information and job training with a focus on self-sufficiency for women and people of color
- Advocates for a state level version of the Pay Check Fairness Act which will provide worker protections and give individuals the tools they need to fight for pay equity
- Calls for the adoption of the New York State Fair Pay Act and supports bills promoting equal pay, comparable worth and worker protection for public and state employees
- Endorses Governor Cuomo’s call to increase the participation of MWBE’s (minority and women owned business) to 20% in state funded projects
Racial Justice
The YWCA supports legislation which addresses racial disparities in systems with a focus on the foster care, education and health care. Additionally, we support legislation which address racial profiling, supports immigration reform and promotes religious tolerance.
Women’s Health
The YWCA supports access to health care services with a commitment to supporting funding for domestic violence and sexual assault services. In 2011, the YWCAs will work to ensure that healthcare reform is implemented in a way that upholds women’s reproductive rights and access to family planning services. Additionally, we will advocate for legislation which supports education on sexting, sexual harassment/bullying, LGBTQ safety, sexuality and intimate partner violence.
For more information, visit the YWCA National Advocacy Website.