Thanks Sue! This is such an important conversation, and I truly appreciate the advocacy and attention being brought to these issues. However, as we rally around these critical topics, we must also recognize that women of color face unique and compounded struggles that are often overlooked.
The concept of intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, (https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?subtitle=en) reminds us that race, gender, and other social identities don’t exist in isolation—they intersect to create different experiences of oppression and privilege. While all women face barriers, women of color navigate additional layers of discrimination, from wage gaps to healthcare disparities to systemic biases in leadership and beyond.
Women of color running for office face additional scrutiny, less financial support, and higher standards of electability compared to their white counterparts. They are often forced to prove their qualifications in ways that white women are not, and they frequently encounter both racism and sexism in their campaigns. This reality must be recognized if we are truly committed to equity in leadership and representation.
If we want to advocate effectively, we must ensure that the fight for women’s rights includes all women, and that we are actively working to dismantle the systemic barriers that uniquely impact women of color. Supporting and uplifting their voices in politics is not just important—it’s essential for true progress. Let’s keep pushing forward—together.
Kudos to the Town of Jackson, which appointed Alyson Spery, out of many very qualified locals, because of her deep connection to Jackson's Tlaxcala population, to replace Arne Jorgenson, who was elected Mayor in November.
Ultimately, decolonizing our politics means having people of all ages/races/genders in elected positions who come from the majority communities rather than wealthy, generally older white folks who believe they are "doing what's best" for them but really cannot know what's best if they aren't living their reality.
I just learned about this resource: Young Electeds Network - unfortunately, I don't qualify as YOUNG, but maybe someone you know does! https://www.yeonetwork.org/
Oh, geez, sure, I've thought about it. Unfortunately, I live in Idaho, the deepest of the Red states, and the uphill battle is so daunting. Not that it's a good excuse, but I wish I was younger and had more energy. I feel like I can make more impact locally.
That being said, I also dread the partisan part and if there were a path for independent candidacy, I'd consider it. But just thinking about it - I don't have the time and money to do what it takes even to start a campaign as an independent.
Thanks Sue! This is such an important conversation, and I truly appreciate the advocacy and attention being brought to these issues. However, as we rally around these critical topics, we must also recognize that women of color face unique and compounded struggles that are often overlooked.
The concept of intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, (https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?subtitle=en) reminds us that race, gender, and other social identities don’t exist in isolation—they intersect to create different experiences of oppression and privilege. While all women face barriers, women of color navigate additional layers of discrimination, from wage gaps to healthcare disparities to systemic biases in leadership and beyond.
Women of color running for office face additional scrutiny, less financial support, and higher standards of electability compared to their white counterparts. They are often forced to prove their qualifications in ways that white women are not, and they frequently encounter both racism and sexism in their campaigns. This reality must be recognized if we are truly committed to equity in leadership and representation.
The Scene On Radio Podcast does a great job of exploring this in their MEN episode on Intersectionality, which is a must-listen for anyone committed to true equity: https://sceneonradio.org/episode-50-feminism-in-black-and-white-men-part-4/.
If we want to advocate effectively, we must ensure that the fight for women’s rights includes all women, and that we are actively working to dismantle the systemic barriers that uniquely impact women of color. Supporting and uplifting their voices in politics is not just important—it’s essential for true progress. Let’s keep pushing forward—together.
Thanks, Jannine. Great thoughts.
Kudos to the Town of Jackson, which appointed Alyson Spery, out of many very qualified locals, because of her deep connection to Jackson's Tlaxcala population, to replace Arne Jorgenson, who was elected Mayor in November.
Ultimately, decolonizing our politics means having people of all ages/races/genders in elected positions who come from the majority communities rather than wealthy, generally older white folks who believe they are "doing what's best" for them but really cannot know what's best if they aren't living their reality.
Happy International Women's Day!
I just learned about this resource: Young Electeds Network - unfortunately, I don't qualify as YOUNG, but maybe someone you know does! https://www.yeonetwork.org/
Thanks for sharing Sue. Have you considered running for state or federal office?
Oh, geez, sure, I've thought about it. Unfortunately, I live in Idaho, the deepest of the Red states, and the uphill battle is so daunting. Not that it's a good excuse, but I wish I was younger and had more energy. I feel like I can make more impact locally.
That being said, I also dread the partisan part and if there were a path for independent candidacy, I'd consider it. But just thinking about it - I don't have the time and money to do what it takes even to start a campaign as an independent.