JWI Brings 100 Young Women Leaders to Capitol Hill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Meredith Jacobs, VP Communications
direct: 202.464.4803// cell: 301.529.8591
Washington, D.C. – This morning, Jewish Women International (JWI), the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls, brought 100 young women to Capitol Hill to meet with Senate and House offices from both sides of the aisle. Noting that tomorrow is Equal Pay Day, and April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the young women asked their legislators to support the Paycheck Fairness Act, the Women’s Health Protection Act, and the upcoming reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
“All of these issues are interrelated,” San Diego’s Brittney Vevaina said. “All are needed to fully support women and girls. The staff we met with told us we need to build a base wherever we are, and that’s what JWI is doing through the Young Women’s Leadership Network.”
“Today I had the opportunity and honor to do what I love the most, advocate for women's rights,” participant Miosotis Soto said. “We managed to visit several offices and create awareness of topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, equal pay, and reproductive rights. I met passionate and motivated women who share the same interests as I do, and who I know will all achieve great things.”
Lori Weinstein, JWI's CEO, emphasized that advocacy extends beyond Capitol Hill. “The politics that impact your life happen locally, on the ground, as well as in Congress,” she explained. “Drill down to your local politicians and make your voices heard.”
One exciting result of today's meetings occurred this afternoon when JWI staff received an email from Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), stating that after our morning meetings he has agreed to co-sponsor both the Paycheck Fairness Act and Equal Pay Day Resolution.
Advocacy Day is the latest in JWI’s work to engage young women in civic participation. Launched this past summer with the organization’s Vote Like a Girl campaign, JWI will continue to develop trainings and offer opportunities for young leaders to speak out on issues that matter most to them.
As Vivian Bass, chair of JWI’s national board of trustees, to the young women, “This isn’t just one day. The impact will permeate over time. Not just for the communities you represent, but for all women and girls throughout the country.”
Congressional Meetings:
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI)
Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO)
Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL)
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)
Rep. John Faso (R-NY)
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Rep. Sean Maloney (D-NY)
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA)
Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA)
Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO)
Young leaders from across the U.S. join in JWI's Young Women's Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, April 3, 2017.
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Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI is a Steering Committee member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and convenes the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, and is a member of the Gun Violence Table. JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.