Friend,

Research shows that women around the world are subject to physical, economic, sexual, and psychological violence for choosing to participate in politics.

As the first Muslim woman ever elected to the Michigan Legislature, and one of the first Muslim women in Congress, I’ve seen this hate and harassment firsthand for years.

And death threats against me and my sisters in service recently rose after a Republican soon-to-be Congressmember posted multiple threats holding an assault rifle next to photos of us, telling people to “go on the offense” against us.

It’s time to speak up and fight back. So I just joined with other Congresswomen to introduce a new U.S. House resolution, which calls for action to stop violence against women in politics.

Donate today to show that we won’t be silenced by bigoted hate and violence.

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Our U.S. House resolution, endorsed by the League of Women Voters, recognizes that violence against women in politics is a global phenomenon, including here in the United States, and calls for more research to examine its extent and effects in the U.S.

Our resolution also calls on the U.S. government to adopt policies that promote women’s political participation and help mitigate violence against women in politics here and abroad.

It’s especially needed in a time of rising political violence against all marginalized people―encouraged by our impeached, fascist President.

Even though women are still vastly underrepresented in politics, we’re facing a backlash from white right-wing men, who are threatened by us and our growing power. They see us advancing and being outspoken as we question the unjust status quo, and in order to maintain their power they try to exclude us and silence us.

We can’t let that happen. Women deserve to have our voices heard. We deserve to have a seat at the table.

Chip in now to our campaign to tell the GOP: Unapologetic women in politics aren’t going anywhere.

Receiving death threats against me and my family hasn’t stopped me from speaking truth to power.

However, such hate and risk should not be the inherent cost of any woman participating in politics.

Sadly, study after study shows it is. And the GOP has made clear that they’re fine with Republican elected officials and voters threatening our lives.

According to the 2018 Violence Against Women in Politics Report by UN Women and UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, women of color and women in other marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by violence (in person and online) when we run for office or try to engage in politics more broadly.

Anyone reading the comments on my social media posts can see the rampant Islamophobic and sexist remarks and threats (and even more vitriol comes through the phone lines and mail).

Republican leaders stoke these fears to divide us. But as the hate grows, so does our shared commitment to justice. I’m going to keep speaking out and being a voice for Michigan’s 13th district, and for marginalized people across the country.

Please donate now to help us fight back against increasing threats. Let’s show that women belong in politics and in power.

Violence against women in politics not only affects those of us in public office. It also deters other women from participating in politics at all levels. It affects young girls who look to us as inspiration.

We must celebrate all the women and nonbinary people all over the world who are standing up for what they believe in and fighting for their communities as activists, voters, candidates, and elected officials.

We need to build a world where women can serve their communities without fear of violence and abuse.

Here’s what Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and a co-lead of our resolution, said:

“Each of my colleagues has experienced this form of weaponized sexism, whether it be death or rape threats, shootings, sexual harassment, verbal assaults, or worse. These attacks are meant to silence and intimidate us, and to put us in our place. Well, we’re right where we belong and we’re not going anywhere.”

We aren’t going anywhere—especially if we can continue to grow our grassroots movement of engaged, active people who call this country home. With your help, I’ll keep fighting hate with love and speaking out on behalf of all of us.

Chip in now so we can keep fighting sexist, bigoted hate.

Together, we will rise up against the hate. We will claim our right to shape our future.

Thank you for all you do,

Rashida