#ChangetheCulture, fight against discrimination in health care, and raise the minimum wage: Your civic action to-do list for 7-1-19
3. We need a cultural shift in the language we use to discuss gender norms, sexual expression, and consent. Words matter and impact survivors of sexual and dating violence.
In a nutshell: In the wake of recent allegations of rape that author E. Jean Carroll brought against President Trump, he claimed that she was “not [his] type” to dismiss the charge. This type of speech from our executive officer continues a dangerous pattern of framing sexual assault in terms of sexual attraction, when it is really about power and control. All too often, the rhetoric that individuals deploy and that society tolerates on the issue of non-consensual sexual contact is misogynistic, willfully obtuse, and dehumanizing.
Take Action: It's up to us to make a difference: We must not minimize violence. We must believe survivors. We must challenge harmful gender stereotypes. Check out JWI’s #ChangetheCulture video to learn more.
2. At every turn, the Trump administration has worked to reduce access and to ramp up discrimination in health care. The proposed rollback of the Health Care Rights Law (Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act) is the latest attack on patient equity.
In a nutshell: Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a rule to allow providers to discriminate against patients based on gender identity and abortion history. Reversing Obamacare protections will encourage doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and the entire health care apparatus to treat women and LGBTQ individuals differently.
Take Action:Submit a public comment to voice your opposition to this discriminatory rule. Sharing personal stories about barriers you have faced when trying to access health care – for example, if providers judged or minimized your perceived health status based on your race or gender – helps illustrate the immense importance of the Health Care Rights Law. Check out JWI’s resources on how to submit a comment and why it’s important.
1. Women comprise two-thirds of the minimum- and low-wage workforce and two-thirds of workers in tipped jobs. The $7.25 federal minimum wage, however, has not increased in a decade and the $2.13 tipped minimum cash wage has not increased in 28 years. These deficient wages perpetuate women’s economic vulnerability – especially among women of color – and contribute to the gender pay gap.
In a nutshell: The Raise the Wage Act (S.150/H.R.582) increases the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour by 2024 and ends unjust exclusions for tipped workers, youth, and people with disabilities. This bill is vital to guaranteeing equitable, safe work conditions for women and lowering their risk of poverty. Without fair, livable wages, women cannot secure financial independence or long-term security.