I celebrated Women’s Day at the RoundHouse, Santa Fe, New Mexico!
In an early celebration of women’s day, I was honored by being invited to talk at the roundhouse of New Mexico in the Capitol Santa Fe.
As a feminist and a non-profit founder, I have always sought spaces to address complex issues and draw the world’s attention towards narratives and experiences of women of color like myself. In the hope that it may change something. Someday.
“I am not a woman, but I am the son of a woman,” said Senator Jacob Candelaria, speaking in support of solidarity at ABQ NOW Women’s Day at the Capitol Rotunda on March 2nd. Legislators peered down from Roundhouse floors to listen to “why women need constitutionally guaranteed rights now more than ever.” said Senator Candelaria.
The event was hosted by ABQ Now (Albuquerque Chapter of National Organization of Women), League of Women Voters of Central NM, UNM Peace and Justice Studies Program, and several feminist organizations.
This is what Cat Jabar, ABQ NOW Vice President, and Juliana Bilowich, Peace Studies Liaison said about the event:
“Advocates as varied as the Southwest Women’s Law Center Executive Director Pameyla Herndon, J.D., acclaimed author Martha Burke, Ph.D., and UNM Peace Studies student Ghada Zribi took their turns at the mic. Zribi reminded the crowd of the elusive US ratification of CEDAW (the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), Herndon rallied for increased political participation among women, and ABQ NOW MC Deborah Blanche finished the program on a high note, calling everyone to sing together in support of women’s equality.”
I dedicated my speech to talk about women’s rights between the past and the present by discussing one of the renowned conventions targetting women and human rights in the world: CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women ). Women of color in the US rarely find a seat at the table to deliver their narratives and defend their right to choose. Although this conversation is long overdue, I hope these platforms continue to pave the way for meaningful representation and solution-driven conversations.
