WOW - Women Organizing Women Newsletter - 1.22.20

47 Years of Roe v. Wade

As we mark the 47th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Planned Parenthood is partnering with We Testify to release a new short film, “Ours to Tell,” which features four stories of people “who live full and empowered lives because they had the freedom to access abortion.”

Ohio Women on the March

On the third anniversary of the Women’s March this past weekend, hundreds of Ohio women came out, battling rain, ice and wintry conditions, to raise their voices and claim their political power.

At the Dayton Women’s March, congressional candidate Desiree Tims said:

“Women are rising, and we’re engaging in politics at every level. That includes activism, that includes running for office and ensuring that we have a seat at the table. It’s so critically important that women are included in these conversations along the way.”

At the Canton Women’s March, Lorraine Wilburn of Action Together Stark said:

“Fighting for our lives is not comfortable. But we will not succeed if we are looking for comfortable. And let me tell you, losing is not an option. Babies separated from their parents and kept in cages is not an option! Endless war is not an option! Losing agency over our bodies is not an option! Violence against people of color and LGBTQ is not an option! Authoritarianism and fascism is not an option!”

Lupe Williams, the vice chair of development for the Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus, was one of many to attend the Wooster Women’s March and spoke about the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Here are some photos from that event.

Yesterday women around Ohio and the country marched reminding us that women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights.

Here are a few photos from 2020 @OhioHouseDems candidates who fight everyday to strengthen Ohio for all women.#WomensMarch2020 pic.twitter.com/3i5PePRfyS
— Ohio House Dems (@OhioHouseDems) January 19, 2020

Today I was proud to stand in solidarity with women of all walks of life as they make their voices heard. Marching with thousands of people is truly inspiring, let’s make sure we keep this energy up this election year! #WomensMarch #TeamJessica pic.twitter.com/CAM0z356XI
— Rep. Jessica E. Miranda (@JessicaEMiranda) January 19, 2020

Thanks to the organizers of the #WomensMarch to have me speak! The Women’s March is not an one issue event. We are fighting reproductive freedom, liveable wage to be a liveable wage, equal pay for equal work, paid family medical leave and so much more more! pic.twitter.com/IMpsQQZV6Y
— Juanita Brent (@Juanita_Brent) January 18, 2020

Together, we stood in the rain to show people like “Mansplaining Mike” Turner that his #TimesUp and we are rising! #WomenRising #WomensMarch2020 #Dayton pic.twitter.com/FK9JTZX6ty
— Desiree Tims for Congress (@TimsDesiree) January 18, 2020

Just back from a very wet and cold #WomensMarch in Delaware, Ohio. A little bad weather can't stop women from marching for our rights and for the rights of the next generations of girls.

Very excited to see @LettsGoOhio @rachael_morocco and @VoteAlaina2020. #electwomen pic.twitter.com/1qutn8lBdR
— Shannon4OH (@ShannonFreshour) January 18, 2020

Share Your Story About Paid Family Leave

The United States is the only industrialized country in the world without guaranteed paid leave, and only 17 percent of Americans get paid family leave from their place of work. This number is even lower for low-wage and Black and Latina women workers.

No access to paid leave means that people are having to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and earning a paycheck. But there is something you can do to make change.

The Ohio Women’s Public Policy Network is looking for your stories about paid leave. Make your voice heard on this issue by sharing your story.

The Ohio Democratic Party Main Street Initiative is hosting its first statewide training session of the year on Saturday, Feb. 8. This is a free, full-day training for all 2020 candidates and staff that will cover the fundamentals of running a professional campaign. Click here to RSVP.

The Ohio Democratic Party is holding its annual Legacy Dinner on Sunday, March 15 in Columbus. Click here for info on tickets and tables.