Invest in Women in the Washington DC Metro Area

Over the past year, the Washington Area Women’s Foundation has been more intentional about increasing our understanding of the unique economic barriers facing youth living in DC.  On Wednesday, May 24, 2017, we publicly launched the Young Women’s Initiative, a city-wide effort to improve life outcomes and increase opportunities for young women, girls, transgender women, and gender non-conforming youth of color between the ages 12 to 24.

The launch was a success as it brought together 250 community members who are interested in helping to make lasting change for women and girls of color in the DC metro area. We are grateful that Mayor HyeSook Chung, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services in DC and a longtime friend of The Women’s Foundation, gave a special message that shared her excitement for this important work. This initiative is part of a nation-wide collective of Women’s Foundations who are working together to reduce systematic and institutional barriers to success and opportunity for young women so that they may reach their full potential.

The audience heard directly from a panel of seven bright participants of varying ethnicities, nationalities, ages, and backgrounds.  They shared tough aspects of their lives as well as their hopes and dreams for the future. This event enabled the wider community and the Women’s Foundation staff to have a deeper understanding of what the daily lives of young girls of color really looks like and what issues they personally find most important.

Some of the topics discussed were health, safety, education, employment/ workforce development and community/ housing. These brave girls shared stories with us about when they didn’t feel safe in spaces where they should such as simply walking down the street to get to school. They also provided solutions like having a mentor to look up to and confide in. They expressed wanting to be heard and gratitude for being given the platform to do so.

The launch was just the first step. There is so much that needs to be done for women and girls in our region. Following the launch, we have already begun accepting applicants for our Young Women’s Advisory Council. This 8-month fellowship will educate girls about local policy and youth advocacy. They will create a city-wide action plan for girls, build important networks and sharpen their leadership skills in a safe, nurturing environment.

The Young Women’s Initiative will provide meaningful leadership opportunities for young women and girls of color and influence public policy changes by producing original research. 

Links:

• Overview of the Young Women's Initiative