Dear Colleagues,
Like many of you, we’re ending this week with a heavy heart. We continue to mourn the devastating loss in Maui, increasing reports of gender-based violence in Sudan, and the advancement of anti-gender legislation and a decision from the U.S. Fifth Circuit in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, which could further reduce access to safe abortion.
Attacking the independent, apolitical judgment of medical experts is a prevalent tactic used by those intent on delegitimizing facts to make it easier to restrict the rights and autonomy of target populations like women, girls, and transgender people.
I’m thankful that U.S. President Biden and Vice President Harris remain firmly committed to defending reproductive health care, and that they’ve asked the Department of Justice to pursue a Supreme Court review of the Fifth Circuit’s contrary decision.
I’m also thankful for you. I’m looking forward to being in community with you soon in Washington, D.C. for Feminist Funded ‘23. In addition to the conference, we’ll make history as we convene for the first-ever Feminist Philanthropy on the Hill Day – when we unite global feminists of all ages willing to leverage the power of their voice, as well as their resources, for gender equity and justice. Together, we’ll help establish our coalition as a power base that is able not only to push back – but also to rise.
Thank you for being part of this important work.
In solidarity,
Elizabeth Barajas-Román
Women’s Funding Network
President & CEO