A Note of Gratitude and Continued Solidarity As the Work Continues

Women Watch Afrika would like to take this moment thank all our community members in the Metro Atlanta area, in Georgia, and the individuals across the United States who went to the polls to make their voices heard for Justice, Equity, Safety, Freedom, and Respect for Human Rights and Dignity.

We send heartfelt gratitude particularly to newly Naturalized Citizens who amidst continued threats and mounting fear went out to vote for democracy. The right to participate in democracy is a struggle for which they were displaced from their home country in the first place, and to find that same concern here in the United States is disheartening, but they persevered.

As a nonpartisan organization, a primary focus of Women Watch Afrika’s civic engagement as it relates to voting has always been to ensure that all eligible voters can participate safely, freely, and conveniently in elections. Voting is a powerful tool of democracy.  Our democracy works best when all eligible voters can participate and have their voices heard without fear or intimidation.

During this election period, there have been many threats and acts of violence perpetrated against the community we serve.  Additionally, the political tensions, extreme rhetoric, and proposed new policies listed in campaigns targeted the immigrant, racial, ethnic, religious, and other marginalized groups in our society.  This made many community members afraid, yet the community stood firm and went to vote, and we commend your courage and fortitude.

Through organizing and mobilizing, Women Watch Afrika was able to conduct a successful nonpartisan GOTV outreach: sending out over 400,000 texts, making over 60,000 phone calls, canvassing door to door, sending out mailers, and conducting ethnic radio outreach, along with social media engagement. We conducted nonpartisan candidate forums and voter education sessions, and assisted New Citizens in acquiring IDs.  We know the power of working together.

As with all elections, there is always uncertainty and this election in particular carried a heavier weight. Consequently, as election results are mentioned and discussions are had, we note that our community members remain in a heightened state of fear that the threats and extreme rhetoric in campaign advertisements–the threats to separate families, the attacks on displaced global refugees and immigrants, and the threats to dismantle basic civil rights will become a reality.  But as we navigate the upcoming days/weeks/months and even years, we want to emphasize and remind you that you are not alone.  There is strength in community and we are stronger together. There is power in organizing, mobilizing, and working together.

If you or someone you know experiences hate violence or threats, immediately seek safety, seek medical attention if necessary, and report the incident to law enforcement, to the community, and to trusted agencies like Women Watch Afrika.

The work continues–the advocacy for human rights, immigrant rights, women’s rights, civil rights, and justice will continue. Women Watch Afrika will continue to be an unwavering advocate for our community.

Lastly, keep in mind that the world is a stage on which each and every one of us has a part to play. So, Women Watch Afrika encourages you to stay in community with others you trust, and encourages you to act well your part on this world stage, for there all your honor lies.

History and posterity will judge each one of us as to what legacy we leave behind for generations yet unborn.

Again, thank you for being on the side of justice, freedom, equity, and respect for human rights and dignity for all.

With Gratitude and Solidarity,

Women Watch Afrika

—

About Women Watch Afrika:

Women Watch Afrika is a grassroots, nonprofit, international, national, and local social justice organization focused on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls, the promotion of social and economic development and health equity of women, and the acculturation of immigrants and refugees (men and women) arriving to the United States from 23 African nations.

In line with its goal, Women Watch Afrika provides Social Services, Legal Services, Advocacy, Health Education, Legal Education, End Domestic Violence classes, Stop FGM/C workshops, Reproductive Rights Education, Know Your Rights workshops, Citizenship Preparation, Civic Engagement; and Advocates against unjust, discriminatory laws that affect the community.

Website: https://womenwatchafrika.org/  Tel: 404-759-6419

Twitter: @WomenWatchAfri          Facebook: @WomenWatchAfrika

Be a supporter of WWA and help us to continue this wonderful work and advocacy that we are doing! You may make a gift through the link below:

DONATE