Community Involvement
Advocating to Empower Women and Girls in Hawai‘i
YWCA O‘ahu has been at the forefront of women's empowerment and racial justice issues for more than a century. In partnership with community organizations and social service agencies, we promote our mission through educational campaigns, events and legislative activities. Our advocacy priorities address three key areas: racial justice and civil rights, women's economic empowerment, and women's health.
Snapshot: Status of Women in Hawai‘i
Women earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns.
At the current rate, women will not receive equal pay until 2051.
Millennial women experience depression 10.7 more days per year than Millennial men.
29.6% of employed women work in low-wage jobs.
Men are 2.0 times more likely to work in STEM occupations than women
See how we rank in other areas here.
YWCA O‘ahu Advocacy Updates
YWCA USA Public Service Announcements
We all count. Everyone. Participate in the 2020 Census. For more information, visit ywca.org. #YWomenCount
New data from the #YWomenVote2020 survey provides the most comprehensive examination of women’s concerns, experiences, and priorities, and frames women's legislative priorities.
In times of crisis, vulnerable communities suffer. YWCA provides critical, live-saving needs to the most vulnerable populations every day, and we continue to do that work during the novel coronavirus crisis.
Other Campaigns & Events
Women's Legislative Caucus Breakfast
YWCA O‘ahu coordinates the annual Hawai‘i Women's Legislative Caucus Breakfast, featuring women legislators of the Hawai‘i State Legislature. The Caucus, consisting of members from both the state Senate and House, present a joint package of priorities for the Legislative Session. The Legislative Breakfast is co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Women's Legislative Caucus, Organization of Women Leaders, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women and supported by St. Andrew's Priory School.
Week Without Violence
For over 20 years, YWCA has hosted an annual Week Without Violence campaign. During the month of October, YWCA local affiliates across the nation mobilize people in their local communities to take action against all forms of violence. Through leading dialogues on violence to workshops, public awareness events, and community service opportunities, Week Without Violence places the pervasive and intersectional nature of violence and its impact on the communities we serve at the forefront of the conversation.
Stand Against Racism
Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. This campaign is one part of our larger national strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism. To find out more information about this, please click here.
Family Leave Insurance for Hawai‘i
We are working to pass a law in Hawai‘i that would create a robust and effective family leave insurance program for Hawai‘i's workforce. The U.S. is the only developed nation without a program of this nature, so it's up to the states to implement. Five other states and Washington D.C. have their own family leave insurance programs. We have the highest cost of living with the lowest wages, taking unpaid leave for family and medical emergencies can be devastating to families.
Take Action
Learn more about the legislative process on the State's Public Access Room Website here!
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