Policy Priorities
***NEW*** In a new letter to the 116th U.S. Congress, YWCA USA and our partners in the women’s advocacy community urge Members of Congress to prioritize the needs and concerns of women and girls. Learn more here.
Racial Justice & Civil Rights
End Racial Profiling and Criminalization of People of Color
We must eliminate policies and practices, like racial profiling, that criminalize people of color and other marginalized communities.
Protect and Support Immigrant Women, Children, and Families
We must ensure that women, children, and families seeking safety and opportunity are kept together and free while their immigration claims are fully and appropriately considered.
Support Girls of Color Who Are Trauma Survivors
Girls of color who have experienced trauma must have improved access to community resources for trauma survivors, including in the education and juvenile justice systems.
Support the United Nation’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Goals
We will work together with our global sisterhood of YWCAs to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere, and ensure women and girls’ full and effective leadership participation at all levels of political, economic, and public life.
Empowerment & Economic Advancement
Improve Women’s Economic Security by Expanding Access to Sick, Safe, and Family Leave
Women should never have to choose between their job and their health or loved ones. Every worker deserves job-protected safe leave, and paid sick and family leave.
Remove Childcare and Housing Barriers to Women’s Workplace Participation
Improving access to quality affordable childcare and housing helps promote successful workplace participation for women, especially women of color.
Health & Safety
Promote Federal Legislation to Support Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
We will strengthen federal legislation that supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence.
Improve Maternal Health Outcomes for Women of Color
We must address racial health disparities by reducing maternal mortality rates and improving maternal health outcomes for women of color.
Ensure Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care for Women and Girls
The healthcare infrastructure currently provided by the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, Medicare, state health insurance programs, and reproductive health service providers must remain strong and viable in order to support women and families.