WFSA’s Advocacy Journey: Making Strides in Equity and Justice for All Women
The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) has evolved since its origins in 1991 to support a robust commitment to and focus on advocacy and legislative efforts.
January 5, 2023, marked the commencement of an impactful year for WFSA’s Advocacy team as they stood alongside Governor Katie Hobbs during her inaugural address. A week later, as the legislative session unfolded, WFSA achieved a significant milestone by securing a bill sponsor for SB 1033: TPT; diapers; feminine hygiene; exemption, which aims to eliminate the luxury tax on feminine hygiene supplies and diapers.
Throughout the session, the Advocacy team harnessed the power of the Women’s Equity (WE) Network and Advocacy Coalition Members. More than 2,000 subscribers received bi-weekly updates on committee hearings and progress on more than 50 legislative pieces.
With a peak of 102 members and an average of 20 members per meeting, the Advocacy Coalition navigated a bi-monthly schedule, covering diverse topics such as the Request to Speak platform usage, legislative session insights, policy priorities, and engaging presentations from organizations like Arizonans for Abortion Access and One Fair Wage.
In a triumphant return to in-person events, WFSA’s Advocacy team hosted the WFSA Day at the Capitol, bringing together over 10 community partners and grantees. Amidst the longest legislative session in Arizona’s history, the team released a comprehensive legislative wrap-up document, available at womengiving.org/advocacy.
As we set our sights on 2024, WFSA’s Advocacy team has identified four key areas of focus. The team delves into housing issues, actively participating in the Governor’s Interagency and Community Council on Homelessness and Housing. They emphasize grassroots connections, supporting initiatives like the Unemployed Workers United Block Party and advocating for an Eviction Self-Defense Network.
In the realm of childcare, WFSA remains committed, attending AZECA meetings and participating in the Built for Babies policy program, striving to enhance family-centered approaches to state childcare policies.
The gender pay gap remains a priority, with the Advocacy team researching the potential impact of a salary history ban and additional protections for equal pay seekers. Collaborating with unions and labor coalitions, WFSA aims to turn these ideas into legislation.
Inclusivity lies at the core of WFSA’s advocacy efforts as the organization champions reproductive health and secure abortion rights as a fourth priority. WFSA stands firmly behind the belief that every individual has the inherent right to make decisions about their reproductive health without external interference. Defending women’s autonomy is not just about preserving a legal right; it is a commitment to upholding the principles of bodily autonomy, privacy, and the ability to make personal decisions free from judgment or coercion.
Moreover, WFSA acknowledges the interconnectedness of reproductive health with broader issues of gender equity and social justice. By advocating for comprehensive reproductive rights, including the right to access safe and legal abortion, WFSA aims to address systemic inequalities that disproportionately impact women and especially women of color throughout Arizona.
As the 2024 election looms, WFSA is engaged in monitoring legislation on LGBTQIA+ rights, rights for Indigenous People, and voting rights. The team also spent valuable time in Washington, DC participating in the Women’s Funding Networks conference and discussing WFSA Priorities with Arizona’s Congress members – Senator Mark Kelly, Representative Greg Stanton, Representative Raul Grijalva, and Representative Ruben Gallego.
As WFSA’s Advocacy team continues to evolve, its members remain vigilant in their pursuit of a more equitable and just society.
Join WFSA’s advocacy efforts and become a coalition member at https://womengiving.org/advocacy-coalition.