The YWCA is an organization that boldly states its mission is to Eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice and freedom, and dignity for all. The organization is hosting a community conversation on September 28th from 11:30AM - 1:30PM to discuss “My Body, My Health, My Rights.” This thought-provoking topic is timely and one of the concerns on the ballot in the upcoming midterm elections. This is part of a series of conversations that the YWCA has hosted annually on sensitive subjects. Sharmen Gowens, the CEO of the YWCA in Atlanta, to discuss this community event.
I asked Gowens how the theme came about for this year’s community conversation. She shares that women empowerment organizations knew the decision on Roe was likely to come down. They didn’t realize how troubling some of the laws would be. In our state, women can be punished for having a miscarriage.
As we enter a culture without access to total reproductive health, I ask Gowens what has been the most surprising development. She speaks about the maternal mortality rates in Georgia and feels that these new restrictions will only exacerbate the current challenges faced by women in our state. Gowens mentions that the YWCA Georgia Women Policy Institute worked with the state legislature to expand maternal care in Georgia from 6 months to 12 months.
I ask her who should attend the community conversation this year. She speaks about women who want to learn from experts. The panel discussion will include Kwajelyn J. Jackson from the Feminist Women’s Health Center, Linda Goler-Blount from the Black Women’s Health Imperative, and Dr. Hedwige Saint Louis from the Morehouse School of Medicine.
This event takes place on September 28th from 11:30AM - 1:30PM at the Atlanta Marriott Hotel. For more information and tickets.