Women’s Equality Day, observed on August 26, commemorates the adoption of the 19th amendment, which granted some women the right to vote in America – for decades after 1920 scores of Black women were still excluded from the voting process due to barriers such as poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and racial terrorism. Today, we celebrate how far we’ve come while acknowledging how far we still have to go to not only extend this right but protect it! Keep reading to see how you can help power progress with the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable (MS BWR)!
Stand for Equality & Security for All Women
At the heart of women’s equality is the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – core tenants of the United States Declaration of Independence, principles that have never rung true for millions of Black women across the South and this nation.
When Black women are at risk of police violence, burdened with extra caretaking responsibilities as they attempt to earn a living wage to support their families, and wrestle with systemic racism in the workplace and beyond, security is out of reach. The Mississippi Women’s Economic Security Initiative (MWESI) works to advance policies that champion women’s economic security and equip black women and girls to be part of the formation and implementation of the policy-making process. The policy areas of focus include access to healthcare and reproductive health, pay equity, increasing the minimum wage and eliminating the sub-tip minimum wage, access to affordable childcare, paid leave, and safety, and ending violence against women and girls.
These policies are all connected to Black women and girls’ survival, let alone security. One of our partners, Women’s Foundation of the South, launched a report today celebrating Women’s Equality Day called “Shift the South: Why Change Can’t Wait for Women and Girls of Color.” Read it here.
A significant barrier to women’s equality and security is the gender wage gap. The Institute of Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) found that across the country, regardless of full-time or part-time status, women face a pay gap averaging $21.90 per hour when compared to the earnings of white men.
In Mississippi, the gender wage gap poses an even greater challenge for Black women and their families. More than 80% of Black households with young children rely on the income from Black mothers, which is only 55 cents to every dollar earned by white men in similar jobs, according to IWPR.
Women need every cent of income they’ve earned to create the life they envision and deserve for themselves and their families.
You can stand for economic equality and security by joining MS BWR’s legislative advocacy events or training programs like Mississippi Women in the Lead (MWL) that push to move Black women’s economic security and leadership forward.
Lift Up the Sister Vote
While the 19th Amendment protects our right to vote, there’s still work to be done to ensure Black Mississippi women are supported in not only casting their votes but elevating their issues. In a state notorious for voter suppression, there are many systemic barriers that make it challenging for our communities to access information on voter rights, registration, and mobilization.
Through programs like the MS BWR’s Power of the Sister Vote Boot Camps, you can help break those barriers and ensure our community’s voices are heard. You can also help us set the precedent for the next generation of women’s votes, while building momentum for policies that put our needs first. Check out our upcoming boot camps here.
Lead at Decision-Making Tables
Mississippi needs more female representation! More than four out of five of Mississippi lawmakers are male, and a majority of them are white, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislators. Becoming an elected official or policy-maker not only paves the way for solutions to the issues impacting women and girls statewide, but also builds security and hope for the future of aspiring women leaders.
If you’re interested in running for elected office, MS BWR’s Mississippi Women in the Lead (MWL) program is the perfect place to start. MWL brings together the best of its community partners – the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, and One Voice Mississippi – to provide in-depth training, mentorship, and more, all dedicated to helping potential “nominees” successfully navigate the campaign process.
Designed specifically for Mississippi women, the program offers a supportive learning environment both in-person and online and eliminates financial barriers with zero cost for accepted applicants, as well as options for fellowship stipends for those who qualify.
Through the vote, we empower change!
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, and through that vote, we empower change! Let’s continue the fight for women’s equality and for the futures of our families by coming together to make our voices heard. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for event and program updates, and click here to donate.