Women’s History Month is the annual celebration of the contributions and achievements of women in United States history. While so much has been accomplished in the fight for equal rights, we also know that the path toward true justice is long.
Our Jewish tradition encourages our active participation in such efforts. As descendants of those who faced extreme oppression, we understand that we cannot stay silent as fellow Americans are treated differently on the basis of their gender. We also know that we come from a tradition that has marginalized women, and we proudly embrace a contemporary Judaism that values women, trans, and non-binary individuals equally to men. The Jewish Center for Justice is committed to fighting back against persistent gender injustice that leads to the marginalization of over half of our population.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve compiled a short (but non-exhaustive) list of actions we as a Jewish community can take to achieve justice outcomes for equality. Sadly, many of these action items have appeared on previous action alerts reminding us that the fight for equal rights is long. This year we must not only make our calls to the Senate, but we must also hold accountable elected officials who are standing in the way of justice and progress.
- Call your Senator and urge them to support the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
The Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization creates and supports comprehensive, cost-effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Since its enactment in 1994 and renewal every five years, VAWA programs administered by the DOJ and HHS have dramatically improved federal, tribal, state, and local responses to these crimes.
- Learn more through The National Network to End Domestic Violence
- Click here to find your Senator’s contact information
- Support our partners at NARAL-CA by following their lead and urging our Assembly Members in California to vote YES on SB 245, the Abortion Accessibility Act.
With the national assault on women’s health and reproductive choice, we are calling on the California State legislature to lead on this issue and address inequities in healthcare by advancing and protecting reproductive freedom.
Tell your assembly member to Vote YES on SB 245, the Abortion Accessibility Act. This legislation will remove cost-sharing for abortion care, which means that no one in California will be unable to access care due to cost.
- Follow AND Support Women’s Rights organizations
National Organization for Women, NARAL Pro Choice America, and Center for Reproductive Rights are all causes worthy of our deep support. Please follow these organizations on social media and support them as you would the Jewish Center for Justice.
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What are you doing, be it on a national level or in your own community, to help advance the cause of women’s rights? There are of course hundreds of other actions we can all take, so let us know how you plan to act.