Gut Punch: Women’s Rights Are Human Rights
By Kwanza Jones
I was shocked and horrified to see the notification this morning:
Supreme Court Overturns Roe V. Wade.
It was a gut punch.
We all saw the memo. We knew it could happen but it is still hard to process.
I am a woman who believes in equality and equity. I am so saddened and angry to see the continued dismantling of rights for women and women’s bodies. It is a major loss.
For anyone who knows, respects, cares for, cares about or loves ANY woman (friends, family, colleagues, siblings, daughters, aunties and more) this cuts deeply.
I was literally at a board meeting for a women’s college when I heard the news. We were discussing how to create bright futures for women who have chosen to pursue their dreams and expand their knowledge and capabilities. This decision tells women that their dreams and wants and aspirations are not important as they do not have the right to make fundamental decisions about their bodies.
And, this may just be the start...
I am saddened and scared about how this could continue to be a slippery slope of dismantling women’s rights and an attack on women’s rights, but my resolve is strong.
Now is the time to take ACTION
I don’t sit idle. I don’t let others take action. I am SUPERCHARGED®. I spoke to the Executive Director of WRRAP (Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project) this morning. I donated to them in support of my Queen Moves Only release a few weeks ago. The ED told me the following:
“We have been working to create a safety net to fund the many patients in need of traveling which has increased the cost of their abortion. It is our primary focus to continue to fund and support these patients and these numbers will go up even higher. We are quadruple where we used to be in terms of need.”
You know me: I saw that they needed a boost so I sent another donation. Help the helpers. Take action. Make things happen.
If, like me, you want to donate to support WRRAP, I know that it would be appreciated but you can help in other ways:
- Make phone calls
- Participate in marches
- Educate yourself
- VOTE
Most importantly, take care of yourself and the people you love. This is a hard day, but you are not alone. You have me and you have your Boost Friends. If you’re feeling today’s Supreme Court decision like a gut punch, the fact is: your feelings are valid. However, just don’t stay stuck there.
Here’s something you can do… Breathe. Wherever you are, close your eyes for a moment and focus on one thing that brings you joy. Take a deep breath in and then exhale. Repeat that a few times and on your last exhale take a moment to smile. Also, if you have time, go for a walk and feel the sun. Just be good to yourself today and every day because you do matter.
And remember, who loves you? I do.
Bye for now,
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