Empowering Happiness: Non profits Empowering Women of Color's Political Engagement

The Hispanas Organized for Political Equality

By Hafsa Jamal

Today we celebrate International Day of Happiness during Women's History month. It's crucial to reflect on the challenges that women of color face and discuss how we can all advocate for their happiness and empowerment. From historical struggles to modern-day movements, women have been at the forefront of societal change, pushing for equality and justice. However, despite significant progress, gender inequities persist, impacting women's well-being.

One key aspect of advancing women's empowerment to lead to their happiness is recognizing and addressing intersectionality. Intersectionality acknowledges that women's experiences are shaped by multiple factors, including race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and more. By acknowledging and understanding these intersecting identities, we can better advocate for policies and initiatives that uplift all women, especially those from marginalized communities.

The journey towards equality has been long and arduous. Women fought tirelessly for the right to vote, a milestone achieved in the United States in 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. However, even with this right secured, women, particularly women of color, continue to be underrepresented in politics and government. Political representation is crucial for advancing women's interests and creating a more equitable future. When women hold positions of power, they can advocate for policies that address the unique challenges facing women, from healthcare and education to economic opportunity and social justice.

Non profit organizations play a pivotal role in bridging the gaps in women of color's engagement in politics. JCI is proud to have worked with a number of organizations such as Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), an organization that breaks barriers in California’s political landscape by cultivating Latina change makers to drive systems of change. They have served 60,000+ Latinas with leadership training programs, workshops, resources, mentorship, networking opportunities and community outreach events in efforts to empower women to step into leadership roles and make their voices heard in the political arena. Every year they welcome hundreds of Latinas to grow together as leaders in their communities and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to run successful campaigns and create meaningful change in their communities. 

When women see themselves represented in positions of power, it instills a sense of hope and possibility, empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations. By amplifying the voices of diverse women in politics, non profits such as HOPE are not only advancing gender equity but are also fostering greater happiness and well-being. 

As we commemorate Women's History Month and the International Day of Happiness, let us reaffirm our commitment to uplifting all women, especially those at the intersection of multiple identities. By supporting non profit organizations that are working to empower women of color in politics and government, we need to reflect on how to create a more inclusive and joyful world for future generations.

Together, let us strive towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and experience true happiness.