A Whole Month for Women?: A Note from Kathleen's Desk

Dear Friends,We really need to talk about intersectional feminism. This idea recognizes that certain groups of people have multi-layered facets in life that they have to deal with, such as racism, ableism, classism, and bias against gender expression and sexual orientation, just to name a few. I am reminded of Sojourner Truth's famous "Ain't I A Woman?" speech from a 1851 Women's Rights Convention in which she pointed out that the rights and dignities afforded to some women were not available to all women because of the color of her skin.Sojourner Truth wasn't "just" a woman, she was a black woman; she was an enslaved black woman; a poor enslaved black woman; a poor enslaved black woman who used a cane for mobility. Feminism isn't just about advancing women as a monolithic group, it's about recognizing that for many individuals, "being a woman" is just the tip of the iceberg.Today, we sit at another intersection: between Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March). You may have heard this before, but it bears repeating: here at YWCA Northeast Kansas, we work to eliminate racism and empower women every day. And when we say "justice for all," we mean it, every day of the year.We recognize that not all inequality is created equal. We are committed to creating a world of justice, working to dismantle barriers and transform institutions until the world sees women, people of color, LGBTQ folx, disabled individuals, and all other intersections in our community the way we do: Equal. Powerful. UNSTOPPABLE.Join us for these programs:

Thank you for standing in solidarity for a strengthened community,Kathleen MarkerCEO, YWCA Northeast Kansas 

 

Announcements:

 

Keep these on your calendar:

MARCHWomen's History MonthMONDAY, MARCH 2 - APRIL 2Nominations open for the 32nd Annual YWCA Leadership Luncheon Women of Excellence Honors. Nominate a co-worker, employee, supervisor, or community member of excellence!TUESDAYS, MARCH 10 & 24Racial Justice Book Club: Chokehold by Paul ButlerTopeka and Shawnee County Public Library7:00 - 8:30 PMWEDNESDAY, MARCH 11Building Blocks: Understanding LGBTQIA Folx and Relationship ViolenceYWCA Dining Room12:00 - 1:00 PMFREE, Registration RequestedSATURDAY, APRIL 11Concealed Revealed Art AuctionJayhawk Theatre, Topeka7:00 PMTickets on sale now!WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22Spring Network Lunch: Mayor Michelle De La IslaYWCA Dining Room11:45 AM - 1:00 PMTickets forthcomingAPRIL 23-26Stand Against Racism Campaign  

Check out our latest moments in the news:

YWCA Testimony: Reproductive Rights Are Human RightsYWCA Testimony: SB 250 CROWN Act in Kansas State SenateKansas looks to end spousal exemption in sexual battery lawSexual battery of a spouse is legal in Kansas. Lawmakers are trying again to change lawHouse panel advances bill ending spousal exemption to sexual batteryCapFed Best News: Harvesters Community Food Network hosts more than 100 MLK Day volunteers

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YWCA Testimony: Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights