We Can Make A Difference!
Actions Equal Pay Day - April 20, 2010 Equal Pay Day marks the calendar date that women have to work in order to match the equal amount of wages that men earned the previous year! In recognition of this dismal continual disparity, the Phoenix-Scottsdale chapter organized an “Un-happy Hour” at El PeJasco Mexican Kitchen, 19 E. Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ. On this occasion, women paid only 78% of menu costs, while men paid 100%. Our chapter extends thanks to El PeJasco for creating a specially priced menu for this occasion.
The continued wage disparity between men and women frequently results in women struggling “in the red!” Appropriately, our chapter members dressed in red for the occasion. If you would like to learn more about Pay Equity, check out NOW’s website: http://www.now.org/issues/economic/factsheet.html Phoenix Pride Parade – April 17, 2010 Although our chapter’s vehicle entry did not win a prize, Dianne Barker, Cindy Guerra, and Karen Kondej did win accolades and cheers from the crowds that lined the streets at the Phoenix Pride Parade, April 17, 2010.
Homeward Bound – March 12, 2010 On March 12, Phoenix-Scottsdale chapter members visited Homeward Bound, a transitional housing complex for battered women and their families, senior citizens and others. We were impressed by Homeward Bound’s philosophy of helping people who help themselves. Homeward Bound is an extraordinary example of a world that works in the midst of dysfunctionality. Homeward Bound offers more than safe housing. They train women to become self-sufficient by offering classes on budgeting, purchasing wisely, job searching, parenting and much more. We encourage everyone to contribute to the success of Homeward Bound.
Pictured: Clockwise from top: Dianne Barker, Cindy Guerra, Carolyn Lowther, and Milon Pitts, Director of Client Services, Homeward Bound. CEDAW Seminar – March 10, 2010
The Phoenix-/Scottsdale Chapter hosted a panel discussion on the importance of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the need for the United States to ratify this women’s rights UN treaty. The U.S. is one of only seven countries that have yet to ratify CEDAW. Karen Kondej outlined the structure of CEDAW: 30 Articles, The CEDAW Commission, General Recommendations, and The Optional Protocol. Olga Vives, past executive vice-president of National Now, elaborated on NOW’s previous involvement with International Law. Dianne Post, J.D., discussed court cases and the positive results in other countries that have ratified CEDAW, such as legal reform in inheritance laws and crucial steps to eliminate violence against women. Dianne Post has worked in over 14 countries designing and implementing reform on issues related to gender equality. Ms. Post filed a petition on the behalf of protective mothers with the Inter American Commissions on Human Rights on May 11, 2007. Click here to read the petition. International Women’s Day – March 8, 2010
Smiles all around, however there was no meeting of the minds in Sen. Kyl’s office. To celebrate International Women’s Day our chapter delivered packets to Senator McCain and Senator Kyl requesting their support in the US Senate for the ratification of The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW.) Previously, during the Clinton administration, Sen. McCain indicated his support for ratification of CEDAW. Sen. Kyl has vehemently expressed his opposition to CEDAW and vowed to defeat ratification. To see a copy of our letter to Sen. Kyl, click here. Pictured from left to right: Liz Hourican, some guy who said some stuff, Olga Vives and Karen Kondej. CBS Protest When CBS abandoned its long-held policy and decided to run a Focus on the Family’s anti-choice Super Bowl ad, our Phoenix-Scottsdale chapter members responded assertively. We gathered February 5 and 6, 2010, with supporters outside the Phoenix CBS affiliate headquarters and peacefully protested CBS’s unconscionable and harmful decision.
Pro-Choice Demonstration Sunday January 24, 2010Phoenix-Scottsdale NOW chapter members and supporters demonstrated along the parade route of Az Right To Life’s 37th Annual March and Rally for Life. Our protest was peaceful and respectful and generated positive responses from passing motorists on Central Avenue. Our presence at the anti-choice parade demonstrated to the community NOW’s commitment to a woman’s fundamental right to reproductive health for themselves and their families.
Health Care Reform Bill Must Eliminate Gender Discriminationand Remove Restrictions on Call AND send an email message as soon as possible! President Obama stated in his major health policy address that reform legislation would prohibit gender rating, a practice that results in charging women up to 48 percent higher premiums. The Senate bill would allow gender discrimination for employees of companies with more than 100 employees, affecting tens of millions of women. This is unacceptable. Action Needed: Tell your senators and representatives that you will seek out progressive, feminist candidates who support women's equal and affordable health care, including coverage of abortion care, to replace them -- if they support extreme restrictions on insurance coverage of abortion care and fail to eliminate gender rating in the final bill. Background: Women Charged More for Being Women - One of the major selling points to women for supporting reform was that gender rating would be prohibited, but now under pressure from profit-driven insurance companies, this harmful practice will be permitted if the Senate version becomes the final bill. Discussions about resolving differences between Senate and House versions of health care reform legislation are concluding soon. General consensus indicates that provisions of the more conservative Senate bill.
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