A Woman's Voice.

I believe in women: in their strength, their wisdom and their power. And over the years I have been an advocate for increasing investments in women, citing everything from the social justice argument to the economic argument. We even created the Wisdom Fund to ensure anyone could invest in women to close the wealth gap in this country. But like many of you, today I suddenly feel even more is at stake for women. Today I appeal to you with an argument that hits me hard in the stomach after a week of gut-wrenching politics: investing in each other may now be our only hope.

This past week (and arguably weeks) we have learned much about what our government officials are willing to do when a woman's character, testimony and future is at stake. And despite myriad protests, we've been given what I believe is now a clear message: Sorry, ladies. You're on your own. If you’ve suffered sexual harassment or assault, if you’ve suffered discrimination in the workplace and unfair employment practices, do lot look to your elected officials for compassion or even in-depth fact-finding. When a woman comes forward that she has been abused or mistreated, the narrative has moved from a presumption of truth  (“I’m so sorry, tell me your story”) to a presumption of falsehood (“No way, lady. Prove it.”).

At this historic moment in time, when many of us are left breathless, speechless and absolutely shocked at what little our voice, opinion and protest matter to those in power in our country, I appeal to you that investing in women should no longer be considered an interesting idea - it should be considered a critical way to protect each other.

You see when women receive investments, it produces more than just a few new female leaders. Women entrepreneurs go on to create wealth, stability and safety for not just themselves but for their family, community and not surprisingly - other women. When you invest in women candidates, you get more than new thinking and representation. Women elected official have proven to bring home more federal dollars and benefits to their community as well as sponsor and obtain more co-sponsorship of bills than their male colleagues.  You've heard "women take care of one another" and "women care deeply about community." Well guess what happens when you invest in one of those women? She creates more of the safety net, strength and interconnection that we need right now to bolster women's voices.

So I appeal to you today. If you've never pulled the trigger on supporting another woman's future - whether it was a donation, a vote for office or an investment, please consider doing so. Supporting other women may be our only way to ensure women's voices are never shunned again.

Links:

Learn more / Donate to stop domestic violence abuse: https://donate.rainn.org

Learn more / Support women running for office: https://www.sheshouldrun.org