By Tyler Sparks, Communications Director
May, 2021
In November of 2020, The Women’s Fund of the Winston-Salem Foundation launched their 2020 Through a Gender Lens report, an interactive data report on the economic security of women and girls in Forsyth County, which they partnered with Forsyth Futures to create. In response to the report, The Women’s Fund has been convening Fund members and other community residents to discuss the report findings and make recommendations on action steps that the Fund can take to improve the economic security of local women and girls.
Through these convenings, four major issues rose to the top:
- Equitable Public Education (Pre-K through 12),
- Fair and Livable Wages,
- Affordable Housing Options, and
- Improved Access to Childcare
- along with a need to focus on advocacy as a way to create systemic change.
Forsyth Futures stepped up to the challenge and helped to produce a report that helps our readers to better understand the systemic reasons why women and girls, particularly women and girls of color, in our community are not faring as well as others when it comes to economic security. The Women’s Fund is grateful to Forsyth Futures for developing an invaluable report that will be used as a tool for years to come to help determine ways to further improve the economic security of women and girls in our community.
—
Andrea Hulighan
Director, Strategic Initiatives; The Winston-Salem Foundation
On July 27, 2021, The Women’s Fund hosted a Social Change Exchange, at which Fund and community members joined together to learn more about existing advocacy opportunities, share ideas, and develop personalized action plans to advocate for change on these issues.
The event featured a panel discussion with Kellie Easton with Action4Equity and Vivian Pérez Chandler with the Asset Building Coalition of Forsyth County. After the discussion, attendess participated in breakout discussions, engaging in meaningful dialogue around four key topics: equitable education, affordable housing, improved access to childcare, and fair and liveable wages. Key themes across those conversations were captured in this document and reported back out by Fund staff.
The Women’s Fund’s Research, Education, and Advocacy Committee will continue work to plan future events related to the Through A Gender Lens report and advocacy, stating,
“As you know, these topics are complex and immense. It will take significant effort from all of us and more to make the change we want to see, and we are so grateful to you for coming on this journey along with us.”
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