As congress debates the next stimulus package, using the lives of women and families as pawns in a game of political chess, it is up to philanthropy to step in and fill the void. With gender and racial justice as guiding principles, you are our greatest hope to lead the philanthropic sector at this critical time.
Even when employed, women of color struggle with the dual oppressions of race and gender pay bias. Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, August 13, marks how far into the next year Black women must work to be paid what white men were paid last year — observed almost five months after Women’s Equal Pay Day (March 31), which looks at women overall. It reminds us just how insidiously racism and misogyny undermine any semblance of economic equality, equity and opportunity for women of color — before, during and after the pandemic.
Just as the CARES Act unemployment checks ended, Congress also let the federal moratorium on evictions expire, with communities of color disproportionately at risk of losing their homes. Some women bear an additional burden: According to a survey of 80 fair housing groups by the National Fair Housing Alliance, since the pandemic began, there has been a 13% uptick in sexual harassment complaints against landlords trying to exploit women having in exchange for rent. It is a situation that’s untenable and unconscionable, especially considering it is nearly impossible to remain socially distanced — let alone heed warnings to stay home — if you have no home.
Your institutions’ funding to frontline organizations and advocacy efforts are making a difference. More importantly, women’s philanthropy not only steps into the gap, together we are dismantling systemic sexism and racism to prevent disparities in the future. We’re not only addressing this pandemic and its associated economic crisis, we’re working to ensure that women and girls — especially women and girls of color — don’t shoulder the burden of the next crisis.
I could not be more proud to be here in this fight with you as we rise to this challenge together.
Yours for equity and justice, Elizabeth Barajas-Román
Women’s Funding Network
President & CEO
WFN NEWS
The WFN Board of Directors is seeking nominations from the membership to join the governing body for a three-year term starting in September 2020. The Nomination Period is open through Sunday 8/9/2020. Please nominate one of our members who you know will bring forward the leadership, knowledge, and enthusiasm for our shared gender and racial justice mission, and work with the staff to better serve and support this fantastic community. You can find the link to a brief nominating form here.
WFN Membership Mighty Conversations Series Vol. I: From Two-generation to Re-imagining Capitalism: economic mobility theory and practice from an intersectional feminist lens
This conversation will be both an overview of the leading theories in economic mobility and justice, as well as an in-debt discussion on topics how women’s funds and foundations can play a critical role in funding policy and influencing philanthropy for real change.
When: Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 -12:00 pm PST
How: Space is limited, so please RSVP to Abigail Boggs-Moura by August 11th.
Where: Zoom link provided with RSVP
WFN MEMBER INITIATIVES
In honor of Black Philanthropy Month, each Tuesday How Women Lead will explore different aspects of Black philanthropy and showcase the Black philanthropists making an impact in our communities. As a fellow WFN member, you can join the discussion throughout the month with top women leaders for 25% off using promo code WFN.
The Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga has named Erika R. Burnett as its next executive director. Ms. Burnett's leadership experience strategic thinking, and passion for addressing root problems facing women and girls in the state stood out during the interview process. In 2018, she, alongside business partner Nicole Kemp, launched the Women of Color Collaborative, embodying her strong commitment to advocating, empowering and securing resources for women and girls to work, play and build together.
Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is looking to hire an Individual Giving and Campaign Manager. This passionate and talented individual will be an integral member of the CFW team, partnering with a community of committed supporters and prospective donors to raise the resources necessary to solve the biggest problems facing women, girls, trans and gender nonbinary people in the Chicago region: economic insecurity, violence, and lack of access to health care and information.
Join Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG) and PathWays PA on August 18th from 9-10:30am for a virtual dive into the latest Self-Sufficiency Standard for Pennsylvania, “Overlooked and Undercounted: Struggling to Make Ends in PA,” a report that includes data on Chester County households that are overlooked and undercounted in the federal poverty level. Join to discuss how COVID-19 has made the climb toward economic advancement even more difficult for PA families. Register here!
OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
The Advancement Project National Office, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Can’t Stop! Won’t Stop! Consulting, Demos, and The Opportunity Agenda released a COVID-19/Coronavirus Social Justice Guide, Map The Truth. This guide is a resource for advocates, educators, media, and people who want--and need--to understand the importance of racial justice and how to talk to the community at large during this time.
WEEKLY READ
Why are women posting black-and-white selfies on social media? Read a commentary here: "Like the black square, which became a symbol of solidarity with Black people but asked very little of those who shared it, the black-and-white selfie allows users to feel as if they’re taking a stand while saying almost nothing."
Although the passage of the 19th Amendment is sometimes portrayed as a triumphant end of a movement, it was really just the beginning. What has changed after 100 years of women's suffrage? - Washington Post
A new report from the World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization finds that trade policies affect women and men differently. And so, countries need to adopt reforms in trade policy that reduce discrimination against women.
The Guardian’s Week in Patriarchy newsletter, from Arwa Mahdawi, on the importance of men needing to lead more like women.
The facts about women in poverty, and a look at policy recommendations to support the economic security of women.
From February to May, 11.5 million women lost their jobs compared with 9 million men – underlining how women are more vulnerable to sudden losses of income Why is the current economic crisis affecting women more than men? Read more here.
100 years later, these activists continue their ancestors' work. - New York Times
Tsedale M. Melaku finds that there are few Black female attorneys and close to zero Black female partners; and the few are often mistaken for non-attorney staff. A look into racism in the workplace, and how to tackle challenges standing in the way of workplace equity.
WATCH: Meet Kamaria Warren, the Mini CEO of Brown Girls' Stationery, a company that makes supplies for girls who lack representation.
