For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Lisi
YWCA USA
P 202.549.0696 | clisi@ywca.org
Washington, DC, February 4, 2016 — Today, YWCA USA CEO Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., released the following statement ahead of February’s presidential debates, urging a change in tone in discussions about women and race. For more than 150 years, YWCA has worked to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen our communities. Richardson-Heron’s statement follows:
“It is time to elevate the dialogue in our country when it comes to women and people of color. The 2016 presidential campaign has seen these as touchstone issues, and some candidates have proposed policies and made statements that would worsen current inequities. We need candidates and elected officials to create, champion, and sign into law real policy solutions that address racial and gender inequality in the United States.
“Every day, YWCA creates solutions that address injustice. Our 225 local YWCAs across the country provide programs that seek to end violence against women and girls, ensure racial justice and civil rights, and promote health and wellness, economic advancement, and empowerment of women and girls.