NDWA NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2024 |
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NATIVE WOMEN'S EQUAL PAY DAY
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Today, November 21, marks Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, a reminder of the profound wage disparities Native American women face. On average, Native women earn just 58 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men, and only 52 cents when all earners are considered. These inequities harm families and communities, generation after generation. Native women are essential to their communities, with many working as caregivers, nannies, and home care workers. Though these roles are essential to sustaining families and the economy, these women are often undervalued, underpaid, and face systemic barriers in the fight for fair pay and workplace protections.
Low wages and the lack of workplace protections create a ripple effect. Native women, who earn half of what white men do, face greater challenges in escaping cycles of poverty, accessing healthcare, and securing safe and stable environments for their families.
Without fair pay, economic independence remains out of reach, leaving many vulnerable to unsafe working conditions or abusive situations. Addressing these disparities isn’t just about closing the wage gap—it’s about recognizing the inherent value of caregiving and creating policies that reflect that. Fair pay, paid leave, workplace safety, and economic security are critical steps in supporting Native women and caregivers alike.
This Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, let’s stand in solidarity with Native women and all caregivers by taking action. Tell your members of Congress to support the National Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, which advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and dignity for the workers who care for us all. Together, we can fight for economic equity and ensure that all caregiving work is valued and respected. |
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How are you feeling about the fight ahead? Let’s check in. The world feels heavy sometimes—political uncertainty, battles over basic rights, and the demands of daily life can take a toll. It’s okay to feel fired up one moment and overwhelmed the next. As we look to 2025, we want to hear from you. Are you ready to jump into the fight for care justice, or do you need space to step back and recharge? Take a minute to share where you’re at—because this movement is built on your energy and voice.
Whether you’re leaning in or leaning out right now, you’re an essential part of our care community, and we’re here to support you. |
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STORIES DRIVE THE CARE MOVEMENT |
Care is a part of all our lives—whether it’s raising children, supporting elderly parents, or caring for loved ones with disabilities. Over 105 million caregivers in the U.S., nearly half the population, dedicate themselves to this vital role. Yet caregivers’ perspectives are often absent from the decisions shaping their lives. We’re working to change that—and we need your help.
When you share your care story, you show the country what the caregiving crisis looks like for real families and communities. Personal stories can break through statistics, showing that behind every number is a caregiver in need of support and recognition. Have you experienced challenges balancing work with caregiving? Struggled to find affordable childcare? Or faced difficulties as a professional caregiver fighting for fair wages? Your experiences matter, and they can help inspire action.
By adding your voice, you’re joining a movement to ensure caregivers receive the respect, pay, and support they deserve. Together, we can make caregiving a national priority and create a brighter future for caregivers everywhere. |
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ICYMI: HONORING THE LEGACY OF BLACK DOMESTIC WORKERS |
This week we launched Legacy of Care, a stunning portrait series spotlighting six incredible Black women whose work as nannies, child care providers, and home care workers often happens behind closed doors. Their stories reveal generations of strength and compassion, building a legacy rooted in care despite enduring histories of slavery, immigration, and exclusion.
Among these stories is the memory of Ayanna Smith—a fearless advocate and domestic worker whose dedication to justice continues to inspire us following her passing this year. Captured by photographer Braylen Dion, each portrait tells an intergenerational story of resilience and joy, honoring the women who continue to shape care work today.
We’re thrilled to see Legacy of Care featured in Essence magazine. The article dives into the transformative impact of Black domestic workers and celebrates the vital yet undervalued labor that sustains our communities. Read it here.
Take a moment to explore these powerful stories and reflect on how the legacy of care lives on in your own life. Together, let’s uplift the often unseen labor and leadership that have shaped our communities. |
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As part of our collaboration with Names for Good, we’re thrilled to share the care bracelet—a beautiful symbol of our commitment to a more caring and just world. Wear it proudly as a reminder of the vital work we’re doing together.
Every bracelet purchased directly supports our mission to defend the rights and dignity of domestic workers. |
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A GUIDE TO YEAR-END BONUSES AND RAISES
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Year-end raises and bonuses are an opportunity to recognize the essential role domestic workers play in our daily lives. For employers, they show gratitude and foster positive relationships. For workers, they provide an opportunity to address rising costs and ensure fair treatment.
The 2024 Guide to End of Year Raises and Holiday Bonuses for Nannies, House Cleaners & Home Attendants from NDWA and Hand in Hand: the Domestic Employer Network includes practical recommendations for employers to ensure your home is a fair and respectful workplace. Showing appreciation for the work that keeps your household running smoothly is an important way to strengthen trust and maintain a positive relationship with the people who care for your family.
For workers, the online guide also provides tools to help nannies, housecleaners, and home care workers bring up these conversations with confidence. Whether by text, email, or in-person discussions, it includes step-by-step tips to make the case for fair pay and recognition in a professional and respectful manner.
Let’s make this holiday season a time to celebrate the work that supports our families and homes—and set a standard for fairness and respect in the year to come. |
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THIS MONTH IN DOMESTIC WORKER HISTORY |
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Before European colonization, Indigenous women had incredible power—spiritual, political, and economic. Many Indigenous communities valued women as leaders in their families and societies, with rights that European women of the time didn’t have.
Even after colonization, many Indigenous women held onto their influence in quiet but powerful ways. For example: -
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy: Women’s family lines owned the longhouses that were central to life and decision-making.
- Southeastern Tribes: Choctaw, Cherokee, and Muscogee women owned their own households and the goods produced from them, including essential crops like corn.
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Southwestern Tribes: Navajo and Pueblo women held respect and authority, owning livestock and shaping their economies.
Indigenous women’s leadership and caregiving shaped entire nations—a legacy that connects deeply to the vital role domestic workers play today.
Explore our interactive timeline of domestic worker history to learn more. |
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