Young Women's Initiative

[ppaction]

Planned Parenthood firmly believes in the reproductive justice pillar that people should be able to parent their children without fear that they will be harmed or killed. We stand with those calling for justice for the lives of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and for laws to change in order to protect Black lives. Shout out to @repealhydeartpr for the artwork.

[micdotcom]

[youngwomensinitiative]

ALL the feels!

[youngwomensinitiative]

Why Am I YWI:  Charlotte Wells

YWI:  Where are you from and where do you live now?

CW: I grew up in Yardley (Bucks County), right on the Delaware River. My mom has a farm in the neighboring town, so I grew up going back and forth from my house to the farm. Four years ago I moved into the city – first living in South Philly and now in West Philly.

YWI:  Tell us a little about yourself.

CW:  I am a serial traveler, meaning that I love to travel all the time, anywhere and everywhere. I went to a year of school in Salamanca, Spain before applying to Temple University, where I studied Women’s Studies, Female Sexuality and Spanish. Right now I’m focusing a lot of time on nutrition and building relationships. I like to design and create things – cards, mostly – for love letters.

YWI:  How did you come to join the YWI?

CW:  When I first moved to the city, I was working for Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, then Rep. Brian Simms, and now I work for a start-up company called Roar for Good*.

In my work I have been connecting people in the city to organizations that they need, and I do a lot of the women’s organization linkages.

All of this is to say:  I’ve seen all these wonderful women’s organizations like Women Organized Against Rape and Women Against Abuse, and then I just sort of stumbled upon Women’s Way.

* ROAR is about a year and a half old and we are developing a safety device that can’t be used against you. I work on the mission side of things, which means I work to help reduce attacks against women by developing partnerships with like organizations, but we’re a start-up – so my daily roles run together. The actual device, Athena, has a button that you push which activates an alarm and light and sends your GPS location to friends and family.

YWI:  Of all of the issues that Women’s Way deals with – reproductive justice, pay equity, reduction of gender-based violence, and empowering young women – which resonates with you the most?

CW:  My day job is in violence reduction, but my personal mission lies in female sexuality. At Planned Parenthood, we worked with all kinds of reproductive justice issues, as I’m sure you can imagine. For me, it’s about women for women. It’s about connection and compassion. How am I helping other women to thrive?

YWI:  Do you have a favorite Women’s Way event?

CW:  I love the lunch-and-learns. They’re such an easy way to be together in the middle of a hectic week. I also love the craft nights – being together, working on art!

YWI:  Why are you a feminist?

CW:  I mean, why not? Well, one, I’m a young woman surrounded by other fabulous women. I also have great parents. I think my dad is the biggest feminist I’ve ever met, and has sort of made me who I am, and then I’m just surrounded by other people who are feminists. It just doesn’t make sense not to be, really.

[rewiredotnews]

Rather than spend money to educate Oklahoman children and keep them healthy, the state is wasting money on a law that will likely be blocked by court order within a month of its passage. And for what? To make a moral point about how much Oklahoma hates abortion? Hey Oklahoma? We get it.

Oklahoma Is Wasting Money to Prove a Point: The State Really Hates Abortion, by Imani Gandy at Rewire (via wearerewire)

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Why I am YWI: Ravina Daphtary

YWI: How long have you been a member of YWI? Why did you decide to join? 

RD: I think I went to a screening of Obvious Child at L'Etage. But I have a terrible memory. It might have been one of the intergenerational discussions. But I do remember seeing Josie at Obvious Child because she led a discussion about abortion access. Later, she convinced me in the coat closet that I might like Young Women's Initiative. And I remember asking if I was too old, because I was quickly aging out of anything that said "Young" in front of it. I was also struck by how diverse the group is - that was, and still is, important to me. I went out afterwards with Amanda, Debasri, and Marisa for wings and beer and we just laughed our asses off, so that pretty much sealed the deal for me. 

YWI: Where do you live?

RD: Wash West / Gayborhood

YWI: What has been the greatest benefit to your membership with YWI?

RD: Definitely the programming. There's so much fun random shit to do - it's really reflective of the diversity of people's interests. Sometimes it's overtly feminist, other times it's just fun time. I like being part of a group that does brown bag lunches on juvenile justice and then also teaches me how to knit over cheese. 

YWI: How have you seen YWI change or grow over your time as a member?

RD: Well, I haven't really been paying attention to be honest. I can say that I have gotten better at participating in things! Part of that is because there are more events and gatherings now outside of the formal planned ones, and so my travel schedule doesn't get in the way as much. 

YWI: Why are you a feminist?

RD: Because in college the feminists always had the best snacks and the best people at their meetings. Plus, my high school best friend made me this way (we are still besties). I dragged my college roommate into feminism as well (she is still my other best friend now). We three brown girls continue to redefine and reinforce what feminism means for each other. 

YWI: Of all the issues Women's Way is working to address, (gender-based violence prevention, economic self-sufficiency and justice, leadership of girls and women, reproductive freedom and justice) which one do you feel mot passionate about and why? 

RD: Well I work in Reproductive Justice at All* Above All, so low-income women's access to abortion is very close to my heart, but honestly it's all one-in-the-same for me. I wouldn't do abortion access work if it wasn't so tied to advancement, equality, and liberation on all the fronts where discrimination and violence hold people back from living their best, freest lives. One of the things I like about YWI is that there seem to be very few people who are like, "Yeah, I could get down with feminism because I should be making more money." It's like, yeah, you should, BUT feminism isn't just about you looking out for you. Everyone I have encountered in the group comes with a much broader analysis about oppression that goes beyond the specific chip on their shoulder. Collective liberation, maaaaaaaannnnn. Plus, they have good taste in snacks, and it shows. 

[lizzpride]

Pictures from the 3rd Annual YWI Powerful Voice Awards Preview Party

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Congratulations YWInnovate Award Winners Jasmine Oglesby and Erica Smith!

At the 3rd Annual YWI Powerful Voice Awards Preview Party, we awarded the inaugural YWInnovate Award to Jasmine Oglesby and Erica Smith, of the CHOP Adolescent Initiative at the Juvenile Justice Services Center after a very close vote. Jasmine and Erica are stellar advocates for young people, and their work centers around providing comprehensive sexuality education from a trauma-informed perspective, teaching self-advocacy skills around sexual decision-making, helping youth engage in their own healthcare, and advocate for youth in the juvenile justice system. 

(In case you missed it, you can read more about their work in this profile.)

Back: Emily Fredrick, Liz Pride, and Ewuraekua Nunoo-Tanikie (YWI co-choairs) Front: Roxanne Sutocky, Jasmine Oglesby, Erica Smith, Aarati Kasturirangan & her daughter Asha. 

The finalist field for the YWInnovate Award was very strong, and we’re so glad that we could learn more about the incredible work being done by all the finalists, and celebrate them and highlight their work! Roxanne Sutocky is a patient advocate at the Cherry Hill Women’s Center, who provides compassion and support for patients making reproductive choices in a very fraught-political climate. Aarati Kasturirangan is the Director of Programs at the Bread and Roses Community Fund, a foundation making grants to groups that are working on social justice issues. Roxanne, Jasmine, Erica, and Aarati all have incredibly important and fulfilling jobs, and they all deserve commendation for being fantastic activists in the Greater Philadelphia region! Congratulations to all the YWInnovate Award Finalists, and congratulations again to Erica and Jasmine!

[femfreq]

New today in the Guardian’s ongoing series about online abuse is this great interview with Monica Lewinsky about how being the focal point of a massive harassment campaign changed her life, and how she’s using her experiences to help others.

[rewiredotnews]

Stories about intimate partner jealousy and violence are prevalent in breastfeeding support groups and blogs. But there’s little recognition among advocates of breastfeeding bliss and in their visibility campaigns that breastfeeding may not be an option for women traumatized by ongoing or past violence.

Breastfeeding on This Side of Trauma, by Sevonna Brown and Esperanza Dodge at Rewire (via wearerewire)

[youngwomensinitiative]

Why Am I YWI: Marguerite Weese

YWI: Where do you live? 

MW: I live with my husband in the Graduate Hospital section of Philadelphia.

YWI: How long have you been a member with YWI, and why did you decide to join? 

MW: I have been a member with YWI for five years. I became extremely involved 3 years ago when I sat on the YWI advisory board. I have since rolled off the advisory board and have joined the Women’s Way Board of Directors, where I am the liaison to YWI. I initially joined because I was looking for a group of like-minded, similarly aged women, who wanted to join together, create positive change and have fun while doing it.  I decided to become more involved, because not only did I find what I was looking for, but I found an organization that makes an incredible impact in our community.

YWI: Of all the issues Women's Way works to address (gender-based violence prevention, economic self-sufficiency and justice, leadership of girls and young women, reproductive freedom and justice), which are you most passionate about and why? 

MW: Wow! What a tough question.  Interestingly, I cannot pick just one issue, but this is the reason that I am so passionate about Women’s Way.  It’s an organization that addresses all of these issues, so I do not have to pick just one issue to devote my time and energy.

YWI: What is something that surprised you about YWI?  

MW: Nothing surprises me when you get a group of young, motivated young women together! This group is phenomenal.  It’s filled with diverse, intelligent, remarkable women that I believe will help better our community and change the world.

YWI: What is the one thing you'd like to see YWI or Women's Way do in the future? 

MW: I would like to see Women’s Way bring more men into the conversations we are having. Gender issues impact everyone, and I think we will find that men can and will champion these issues.  The more people at the table fighting for the cause, the better.

YWI: What has been the greatest benefit to your membership with YWI? 

MW:The greatest benefit to me is the energy I get from being around so many amazing people. I particularly love the diversity of the membership.  The more points of view in a conversation, the more innovative the results will be.

[savedbythe-bellhooks]

Source: Feminism Is For Everybody by bell hooks

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2016 YWInnovate Finalist: Roxanne Sutocky

Roxanne Sutocky is a finalist for the 2016 YWInnovate Award. This award honors a young person or team of individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the greater Philadelphia area who in the spirit of WOMEN’S WAY’s mission have made an impact in the areas of: gender-based violence, reproductive justice, economic equity, and/or women’s leadership. Join us on April 15 at the YWI Preview Party to honor their work.

What motivates you to do your work? 

My work in abortion care as a patient advocate directly informs my activism, as I see firsthand the impact of stigma and anti-choice legislation. I see the positive impact of access to abortion care on a daily basis. Abortion access might mean a student can graduate high school before becoming a parent or give someone the ability to leave an unhealthy relationship.

Who or what is your inspiration? 

The patients that I meet with everyday, many of whom have overcome unimaginable obstacles to access care, are a constant motivation to work toward breaking down barriers to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. It is important to me that every person has access to safe, compassionate abortion care regardless of her income or where she lives.

What advice would you give to others looking to get involved in similar work? 

I would suggest reaching out to your local activist groups working toward your goal. I am always amazed by the impact a small amount of effort from a well organized group of individuals can be! Also, I would stress the importance of always making time to take care of yourself first, that way you can continue to be of service to others.

Roxanne is a Patient Advocate at the Cherry Hill Women’s Center, a clinic dedicated to providing women with confidential, dignified and compassionate abortion and reproductive health care. 

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2016 YWInnovate Finalists: Erica Smith & Jasmine Oglesby

Erica Smith and Jasmine Oglesby are finalists for the 2016 YWInnovate Award. This award honors a young person or team of individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the greater Philadelphia area who in the spirit of WOMEN’S WAY’s mission have made an impact in the areas of: gender-based violence, reproductive justice, economic equity, and/or women’s leadership. Join us on April 15 at the YWI Preview Party to honor their work.

What motivates you to do your work? 

The young people who allow us into their lives are our greatest motivation.  Being trusted by our participants with their most private information, their future plans, and their life stories is a privilege.  That trust motivates us to honor them by using our access and privilege to push for change.  We encourage them to feel entitled to control their own health care, their own bodies, and their own lives, and we are motivated by how impactful those things can be. While we are encouraged by the individual and systemic changes we have seen, we are also motivated by the knowledge that there is much more work to be done.

Who or what is your inspiration? 

We both draw inspiration from the founder of our program, Christine Ambrose.  She passed away 2 years ago, and we see this work as a continuation of her vision.  She created this program in 2001 at the request of DHS to provide support, education, and systemic advocacy for young women and LGBTQ youth in detention.  We have been doing this work in virtual anonymity since before these young people were studied or discussed as marginalized populations deserving of resources and attention.  Christine was a person who valued individuals and incremental progress.  She pushed us to center our work around each young person, their goals, their challenges, and their accomplishments.  It is this legacy that we continue for her.

What advice would you give to other’s looking to get involved in similar work? 

Understand the critical importance of educating yourself about the cultures, sexual identities, gender identities, and trauma experiences in which the people you serve may be functioning. Please do not expect your clients, patients, or consumers to educate you in order to receive excellent support from you.  Foster collaborative relationships with other providers and organizations. Make self-care mandatory. Long term work in this field cannot be done without the purposeful development of other interests and aspects of your life.  Create professional boundaries in your workplace.  Respect the agency of the people you serve. Do not take away another person’s agency by feeling personally responsible for an individual’s struggles, and do not credit yourself for their accomplishments.

Jasmine and Erica are staff at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia’s Adolescent Initiative at the Juvenile Justice Services Center. A groundbreaking and unduplicated grant-funded program, they work to prevent HIV and unwanted sexual health outcomes among the most marginalized and vulnerable youth: young women and LGBTQ youth in detention.

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2016 YWInnovate Finalist: Aarati Kasturirangan

Aarati Kasturirangan is a finalist for the 2016 YWInnovate Award. This award honors a young person or team of individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the greater Philadelphia area who in the spirit of WOMEN'S WAY's mission have made an impact in the areas of: gender-based violence, reproductive justice, economic equity, and/or women's leadership. Join us on April 15 at the YWI Preview Party to honor Kasturirangan's work.

YWI: What motivates you to do your work?

AK: It pains me deeply when I think about all the knowledge we have lost because systems of oppression have prevented oppressed peoples from sharing their gifts with the world. Where would we be? What would the world be like? What wonders would we be seeing? How much more evolved as a species could we be? These questions, this vision motivates me every day to work for liberation of peoples across gender, race, class, sexual identity, and disability.

YWI: Who or what is your inspiration?

AK: I am inspired by all the women I have known personally, family and friends who are survivors of sexual violence or intimate partner violence, and who still shine light on so many around them. They are a testament to the indomitable spirit within each of us.

YWI: What advice would you give to others looking to get involved in similar work?

AK: The struggle for justice is long and progress is incremental. In order to keep from burning out, you must celebrate each small victory, even each small joy in each day. Laugh, sing, shout.

Aarati Kasturirangan is the Director of Programs at the Bread and Roses Community Fund, a unique gathering of activists committed to supporting social justice by raising and distributing funds.

[youngwomensinitiative]

March Education Series: Americanah

For YWI’s March Education series, I hosted a book club on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah. In this masterful novel we follow the stories of Ifemulu, a young Nigerian woman, and Obinze, her first love, from their childhood in military-ruled Nigeria to adulthood in America (for Ifemulu) and London (for Obinze), only to see them reunite under difficult circumstances in Nigeria. But, truthfully, their love story is only part of the full picture (and for some of our ladies participating in the book club, the least interesting aspect to the novel). Through every relationship, each new character, and every strange experience, the story confronts race, identity, gender, power, class, sexuality, immigration, and the American Dream.

Arriving in the U.S. for college, Ifemulu is first introduced to Blackness in America, and, through her quick-witted observations, holds an irreverent lens up to the absurdity of race relations in our society. Upon first reuniting with Ginika, a friend from Nigeria who moved to the U.S years before Ifemulu, Ginika lays out some new terms for Ifemulu: “biracial” takes the place of “half-caste,” “thin” replaces “slim,” it’s a compliment for someone to notice when you have lost weight, and, even more confusing, white Americans avoid saying the world “black.” A hilarious example of this ensues in a scene when a character describes a black store attendant: “Why didn’t she just ask ‘Was it the black girl or the white girl?’” Ginika laughed. “Because this is America. You’re supposed to pretend that you don’t notice certain things.”

Gender, class, and power struggles collide when Ifemulu is unable to find a job to support herself while she studies in America, and this desperation leads her to accepting an offer to “de-stress” a tennis coach in the Philadelphia suburbs in exchange for cash. This dynamic plays out even more in the character Aunty Uju, Ifemulu’s aunt, who twice wraps herself into relationships with men (first, the General in Nigeria, then Bartholomew in America) because she lacks economic power to stand on her own. Ultimately, she finds her way, but not before succumbing to a drab life in the Massachusetts suburbs, where her son is picked out for being the only black student in a sea of white, and unfairly labeled “aggressive” by his teachers.

While we slip from the present day (Ifemulu having her hair braided at an African hair salon outside of Princeton) to the recent past, we follow Ifemulu as she finds a job as a nanny to a white, wealthy family in the Philadelphia suburbs, continues her studies in Philadelphia, gets her first “real” job, watches with a mixture of fear and excitement as Barack Obama wins the U.S. Presidential Election, and falls in and out of relationships with wealthy Curt and intellectual Blain. When we meet Obinze again, he’s floundering in London, the city he landed in after many failed attempts to leave Nigeria for the U.S. At his lowest, he’s cleaning a pile of feces off of the lid of a toilet (yes, on top of the toilet). 

The backdrop of the novel is Ifemulu’s blog, Raceteenth or Various Observations on American Blacks (Those Formally Known as Negroes) From a Non-American Black, which she begins after college, and which, at its end, has received much fame (though Ifem herself remains its anonymous author) in the blogosphere. Some of my favorite blog titles include: Not All Dreadlocked White American Guys Are Down, Badly-Dressed White Middle Managers from Ohio Are Not Always What You Think, Understanding America for the Non-American Black: American Tribalism, and a wonderful post on the approved dark brown skin of Michelle Obama. 

When Ifem quits her blog and returns to Nigeria, she is headed there with Obinze in mind. The final pages either make or break the story, depending on your definition of a storybook ending.

Adichie’s Americanah produced rich discussion, lively debate, and curious discourse. If you haven’t yet, add it to your reading list. You won’t be disappointed!

[rewiredotnews]

In terms of what women need in the world: they require support for their own independence (as male independence has been supported for centuries through enfranchisement, government-backed business and housing loans, infrastructure investment, tax breaks, etc.) in the form of higher wages, pay equality protection, mandated paid sick days and parental leave, lower college costs, subsidized high-quality child care, and unfettered access to safe and legal abortion, and also to contraception.

On ‘Single Ladies’ Making History: A Q&A With Rebecca Traister, by Katie Klabusich at RH Reality Check (via wearerewire)

[savedbythe-bellhooks]

Source: Reel to Real: Race, Sex and Class at the Movies by bell hooks