LULAC SAYS HONORING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY AND WOMEN'S MONTH 2024 REQUIRES OUR ACTION DAILY
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Latinas Are Essential to America's Strength
March 8, 2024
For more information, contact David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
Washington, DC - The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. We forge a better world by inspiring others to understand and value women's inclusion. And when women are inspired to be included, there's belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women. LULAC will celebrate the 2024 Women's Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the theme "Empowering Women, Transforming Communities."
"LULAC sees this year's themes as a call to action where we each have a role," says Lupe Torres, LULAC national vice president for women. "We can celebrate that the number of Latinas in the labor force has jumped to 12.5 million and now accounts for 16% of all women working in the United States. Yet, millions of Latinas still live in households facing the effects of poverty at greater levels, including lack of health care, safe housing, and are often the victims of domestic violence. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, 16.8% of Latinas — 10 million — nationally live in poverty. That's well above the nation's overall poverty rate of 11.5%," she adds.
Another challenge 56.4% of Latinas contend with is the need for more days and longer hours working to meet basic living expenses. Also, 62.8% of Latina moms are working, often forcing them to leave their children with family caretakers or acquaintances because they may not qualify for government-assisted childcare.
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Each year, this day is a powerful reminder of the progress made toward gender equality. It highlights the work that still needs to be done. In 2024, the campaign theme Inspire Inclusion emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.
"Today, only 1-in-4 executives in major companies are women, and only 1-in-16 are Latinas or women of color," says Domingo Garcia, LULAC national president. "LULAC believes that it is time for Latinas to shatter the glass ceiling con chanclas or tacones because they have the talent y las ganas to succeed. Just consider that Latinas are the fastest growing segment of small business owners in the country, generating $1.4 trillion in receipts," he adds.
Inspiring inclusion means celebrating diversity and empowerment on International Women's Day 2024 and beyond. This year's campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.
"LULAC believes that inspiring inclusiveness must be about more than words," says Torres. "We are empowering women because they, in turn, influence the entire family. LULAC's cornerstone mission is education, where our mentoring, personal growth programs, and leadership development significantly impact women. Latinas have multiple daily tasks in their homes, communities, and jobs. LULAC is here to advocate for legislation that provides the equity and equality women have earned and to ensure they are included at every level of our society," says Torres.
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