Empowering Women through Economic Policy: A Beginner’s Guide for Mothers (Part 3)
Hidden Strings
Introduction
Every day, policies and rules have shaped my financial life and outcomes. But I don’t know what they are or how to engage them. I can’t name them or know where to find them. They seem to be abstract, invisible strings that determine the quality of my life (and yours). And yet, I feel their impact. I felt it when I birthed six children with or without access to maternity leave depending on where I worked at the time of each child’s arrival. I felt it when I had (or didn’t have) insurance for sick children. I felt it when I had to think about renting an apartment while being partnered with (or taking in family members who are) felons, wondering how I was going to keep a roof over our heads and my family together. I felt it for the many years I wanted to purchase a home as a single mom of six children, but didn’t have the means to do so (until I did).
This blog post is crafted to serve as a guidepost, offering our readers a starting point or entryway into an endeavor that, for many, has felt overwhelming, impenetrable, and/or impossible to navigate. It's about demystifying economic policy and seizing our collective power to influence, reform, and transform the financial norms and structures that govern our lives. It underscores the reality that personal financial strategies—saving, investing, and managing risks—are not sufficient on their own for wealth accumulation. The policies in place can either bolster or thwart these individual efforts. Yet, there's a broader imperative: to enable more women and people of color to achieve their financial aspirations, we must merge these personal endeavors with the pursuit of a more equitable and just economic landscape. This calls for an active engagement in shaping policies that not only recognize but also rectify systemic inequalities, ensuring that financial empowerment is accessible to all. Through this blog, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to begin this critical journey towards financial advocacy and empowerment.
April is celebrated as National Financial Capability Month, dedicated to enhancing our proficiency in managing personal and business finances alike. This post unfolds as the third installment in our series aimed at financial empowerment, building upon the groundwork established in earlier discussions. Please remember, I am not a financial advisor. The content provided is a fusion of personal experiences and extensive research, crafted to offer you a pathway toward financial enlightenment and empowerment.
Public Hearing Mom
Unpacking the Influence of Mothers on Economic Policy
The voices of women, particularly mothers in our community, are indispensable in the policymaking arena for several compelling reasons. Their active participation ensures that policies are not only inclusive but also reflective of the diverse realities of family life:
Diverse Family Dynamics: Women in our community often navigate complex family dynamics and socioeconomic challenges. Their insights can guide policies that accommodate a wide range of family structures and needs, ensuring no one is left behind.
Addressing Gender-Specific Issues: Women can highlight and advocate for policies that address gender-specific issues such as reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and the gender wage gap. Their advocacy is vital for advancing gender equality and protecting women's rights.
Championing Inclusive Economic Growth: Women, especially those from marginalized communities, can offer perspectives on how to create economic policies that promote inclusive growth. By advocating for equitable access to education, job opportunities, and financial resources, they can help break cycles of poverty and empower future generations.
Elevating Health and Education Policies: Mothers have a vested interest in the health and education of their children. Their advocacy can lead to improved healthcare policies, better educational programs, and increased funding for schools, contributing to healthier and more educated communities.
Fostering Community Support Systems: Women are often at the heart of community support networks. Their insights can inform policies that strengthen social services, mental health resources, and community programs, building stronger support systems for families.
Advancing Environmental Stewardship: Mothers concerned about the future of their children are becoming increasingly vocal about environmental issues. Their involvement in policymaking can accelerate efforts toward sustainable living, conservation, and policies that combat climate change.
Catalyzing Social Change: The collective voice of women, particularly mothers, in policymaking can be a powerful catalyst for social change. By highlighting injustices and advocating for reforms, they can drive societal progress and ensure that laws and policies reflect the values of equity and justice.
The inclusion of women's voices, especially those from within our community, in policymaking not only enriches the policy discourse but also ensures that the resulting policies are more comprehensive, compassionate, and effective. Their participation is a step towards a society where policies are crafted not just for the community but with the community, making sure every member's needs are seen and addressed.
Moms and Economic Policy
Overcoming the Intimidation
Economic policy can indeed feel intimidating, and there are several reasons why women, who stand to gain significantly from engaging with these policies, might hesitate to get involved. Here are some key factors contributing to this phenomenon:
1. Complexity and Jargon:
Economic policy is often discussed in a language brimming with technical jargon and complex concepts. This specialized language can make the field seem inaccessible to those not trained in economics, leading many to feel overwhelmed or excluded from the conversation.
2. Historical Exclusion:
Historically, women have been underrepresented in economics and related fields. This lack of representation can perpetuate a feeling of alienation and the mistaken belief that economic policy is a domain where women's voices are neither valued nor heard.
3. Perceived Lack of Relevance:
There's a misconception that economic policy is removed from everyday life, dealing only with abstract, macroeconomic concepts. This can lead individuals, especially women who juggle multiple responsibilities, to believe that engaging with economic policy won't have a tangible impact on their daily lives or address the specific challenges they face.
4. Limited Time and Resources:
Women often bear a disproportionate share of caregiving and domestic responsibilities. This can limit the time and energy they have available to invest in understanding and engaging with economic policy, even though such policies might significantly affect their lives and well-being.
5. Lack of Encouragement and Support:
Women may not receive encouragement to engage with economic issues or lack access to networks and communities where they can discuss and learn about these topics in a supportive environment. Without role models or mentors, it can be challenging to see oneself as capable of contributing to or influencing this field.
6. Fear of Criticism:
The public discourse around economic policy can be highly contentious, and women might fear backlash or criticism for expressing their views, especially in traditionally male-dominated spaces. This fear can discourage them from participating in economic discussions or advocating for policy changes that would benefit them.
7. Accessibility of Information:
Information about economic policies is not always presented in an accessible or user-friendly manner. Women seeking to understand how specific policies will affect them might find it difficult to find clear, straightforward explanations.
Accessing the Unknown
Bridging the Gap
Addressing these barriers and encouraging more women to engage with economic policy requires a multifaceted approach:
Demystifying Economic Jargon: Offering educational resources that break down economic concepts into understandable language.
Increasing Representation: Highlighting and supporting the work of women in economics and policymaking to provide role models for others.
Making Connections to Daily Life: Demonstrating clearly how economic policies impact women's everyday lives, from healthcare and education to employment and family well-being.
Creating Supportive Communities: Building networks where women can learn about, discuss, and advocate for economic policies in a supportive environment.
Encouraging Participation: Promoting opportunities for women to engage in economic policymaking, from local community discussions to national advocacy campaigns.
By making economic policy more accessible, understandable, and relevant, and by fostering an environment where women's participation is valued and encouraged, we can demystify this field and empower women to advocate for policies that benefit them and their communities.
Equal Value Coins
Deep Dive into Policy Areas Needing Women’s Voices
If you are unsure where to start or are looking for some inspiration, each of the following sections expands on critical policy concerns, integrating research, case studies, and guidance for advocacy:
1. Gender Wage Gap and Equal Pay:
Explore the historical context of the wage gap, present data on its persistence, and highlight successful campaigns that have led to legislative changes.
2. Maternity Leave and Parental Leave:
Offer comparative analyses of maternity and parental leave policies globally, underscoring the economic and social benefits of comprehensive leave.
3. Child Care Support:
Detail the economic barriers created by the lack of affordable child care and outline models of successful child care programs.
4. Workplace Discrimination and Harassment:
Discuss the pervasive nature of workplace discrimination, share testimonials, and review policies that have effectively combated this issue.
5. Women's Health and Reproductive Rights:
Examine the critical importance of health care access for women, including reproductive health, and the impact of policy changes.
6. Entrepreneurship and Access to Capital:
Analyze the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, showcase success stories, and suggest ways to improve access to capital.
7. Education and STEM Inclusion:
Highlight initiatives aimed at increasing women's participation in STEM, and suggest actions to support continued progress.
8. Property and Inheritance Rights:
Discuss the role of property and inheritance rights in empowering women economically, with examples of successful advocacy.
9. Domestic Violence and Safety:
Provide an overview of the link between economic policies and domestic safety, including legal frameworks supporting survivors.
10. Political Representation and Leadership:
Argue for the importance of women in leadership roles within economic policy-making spheres, supported by case studies.
11. Retirement and Social Security:
Delve into the gender disparities in retirement savings and propose policy solutions to address these gaps.
12. Affordable Housing and Home Ownership:
Examine the barriers to homeownership faced by women, particularly single mothers, and outline policy recommendations.
Madison, WI
Empowering Women in Economic Policy: Connect with These Organizations in Madison and Beyond
For women in Madison, Wisconsin, and across the country looking to connect with organizations that can support their journey into economic policy involvement and advocacy, there are several key organizations to consider:
In Madison, Wisconsin:
1. Wisconsin Women's Network:
Focuses on expanding conversations to encompass the concerns and challenges faced by women in Wisconsin, addressing racial, socio-economic, and gender-identity inequalities.
Website: (https://wiwomensnetwork.org)
2. The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness:
Dedicated to transforming the health and lives of Black women through education, advocacy, support, and partnerships.
Website: (https://www.ffbww.org)
3. YWCA Madison:
Envisions a community where all members are valued and included, focusing on eliminating discrimination and injustice.
Website: (https://www.ywcamadison.org)
4. Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health:
Works to advance comprehensive women’s health by engaging, educating, empowering, and mobilizing individuals and organizations.
Website: [Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health](https://www.supportwomenshealth.org)
5. Legal Action of Wisconsin:
Provides free legal services to low-income individuals, covering a range of issues including those affecting women.
Website: (https://www.legalaction.org)
Changing Policy across the Country
Nationwide:
1. National Organization for Women (NOW):
Advocates for equal rights for women, including economic justice, ending violence against women, and constitutional equality.
Website: (https://now.org)
2. National Women's Law Center (NWLC):
Fights for gender justice, working across issues that are central to the lives of women and girls, including income security, education, health and reproductive rights, and workplace justice.
Website: (https://nwlc.org)
3. League of Women Voters:
A nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Website: (https://www.lwv.org)
4. EMILY's List:
Supports the election of pro-choice Democratic women to office, aiming to build a more progressive America by electing candidates who can make significant contributions to education, health care, economic equality, and a host of other critical issues.
Website: (https://www.emilyslist.org)
5. Black Women's Roundtable:
Focuses on promoting health and wellness, economic security, education, and global empowerment among Black women.
Website: (https://ncbcp.org/programs/bwr)
Connecting with these organizations can provide valuable resources, networks, and platforms for women seeking to make an impact in economic policy and advocacy. Whether locally in Madison or on a national level, these groups offer support, information, and advocacy opportunities to help women engage in policymaking and contribute to shaping a more equitable economic landscape.
Meeting with Her Allies
Conclusion
By engaging in targeted advocacy, leveraging collective action, and utilizing strategic communication, mothers and their allies can enact substantive changes that bolster the welfare and prosperity of families. This document has sought to provide a detailed roadmap for influencing economic policy, emphasizing that the journey from personal adversity to policy advocacy is both viable and vital for a more equitable society.
In closing, your advocacy as a mother, a woman, and a citizen is indispensable. Armed with knowledge, passion, and a community of supporters, you are well-positioned to advocate for policies that ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for all families.
Engage and Share Your Journey
Your Voice Matters: Join the Conversation
As we conclude this guide on the pivotal role of mothers in shaping economic policy, we turn the spotlight to you, our readers. Your experiences, insights, and voices are the heartbeat of advocacy, driving the change we seek in our communities and beyond. How have you navigated the challenges and opportunities of influencing economic policy? What stories of triumph and trial can you share that might inspire others to take action?
We invite you to:
Share Your Story: Comment below with your experiences of advocacy, the barriers you've faced, and the victories you've celebrated. How have you made your voice heard in the realm of economic policy?
Connect and Collaborate: Use this platform to connect with like-minded individuals. Are you looking for support or partnerships in your advocacy efforts? Let’s create a network of support and collaboration.
Ask Questions and Seek Guidance: If you're unsure where to start or have questions about engaging in economic policy advocacy, this is your space to seek advice. Our community of readers and experts is here to offer insights and support.
Propose Topics for Future Discussion: What specific areas of economic policy do you feel need more attention? Suggest topics for future blog posts or discussions that can help illuminate these issues and guide our collective advocacy efforts.
Your advocacy as a mother, a woman, and a citizen holds the power to shape a more just and prosperous world. Together, let’s continue to advocate for policies that uplift all families, ensuring a future where economic equity is not just an aspiration but a reality. Your journey from personal adversity to policy advocacy is a testament to resilience and the desire for change. Let’s make that change happen, together.
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
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Photo Credit: Chris Charles
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers