our Reproductive Justice vision
Since the inception of the Ohio Women's Alliance in 2019, we have approached the work through a reproductive justice lens, prioritizing our collective values, the lived experiences of those most impacted and providing the resources and tools for people to self determine what liberation feels and means to them.
In 2021, our vision was to expand reproductive justice in Ohio through communal care, youth power building, and civic engagement. At Ohio Women's Alliance, we take the work we do seriously because those racially and gender-oppressed have waited far too long for our right to co-exist in an equitable world to be taken lightly. The relationships we hold, people's lives we must protect, and comrades who we stand shoulder to shoulder deserve to be cared for, empowered, and represented. Communal care, youth power building, and civic engagement are critical to our organizational values towards a more inclusive democracy to defend reproductive justice.
Why We Prioritize Communal Care
To make the best decisions for our bodies, family, and community, we must create space to care for each other to meet our unique conditions and needs during our most critical moments. Our Joy is just as important as our pain, and after a global pandemic and a year of hardship for many, we hosted "Be Well," a program addressing barriers to access to mental health care for women of color. The program aims to increase access to mental healthcare for Black women decreasing anxiety, depression, and stigma. During the program, we provided access to culturally competent practitioners, child care, COVID-19 protective equipment, and rapid test kits. And most importantly, Be Well held space to have vulnerable and honest conversations, and build long-lasting relationships.
Why We Prioritize Youth Power Building
The compounded impact of generational trauma and racial unrest have more than proven the need to create space for equitable learning, development, and community care for Black and Brown youth. This year we launched Ohio Rising, a program for adolescent students to learn about the principles of social justice, self-care, and civic engagement. We hosted a social justice summer camp, youth empowerment showcase, and COVID-19 outreach to increase access to vaccinations. At Ohio Rising, we collaborate and enable youth participation to enhance skill development and positive health outcomes. Empowering youth will ultimately transcend into tangible, sustainable change for future generations and a better representation of society.
Why We Prioritize Civic Engagement
Civic engagement for Ohio Women's Alliance is coaching and developing new and emerging leaders to be seen and heard. It is remaining true to our values, internally and externally, without comprising or sacrificing our identity. And it is ensuring people have the information, resources, and tools they need to build independent political power and the right to be represented fully. In 2021 our civic engagement program strengthened our membership base and alliance of women-led organizations by regranting $215,000, providing leadership development and collaborative issue-based initiatives.
At Ohio Women's Alliance, we are devoted to reproductive justice through a holistic approach. Caring for each other through our direct service and wellness programs, empowering our youth to have a voice, and expanding a more inclusive democracy to advocate for abortion access, viable communities, and equitable representation.