OneRouge Community Check-In: Week 244

Feb 214 min read

Updated: Mar 7

Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Women’s Equity in Louisiana

The One Rouge call on March 7, 2025, kicked off Women’s History Month with an engaging and impactful conversation centered on women’s empowerment, advocacy, and mobilization. The discussion highlighted the economic, social, and systemic barriers that women—particularly single mothers, women of color, and marginalized communities—face in Louisiana. From the gender pay gap, where women earn only 69 cents to every dollar men make, to the childcare crisis that forces many parents to choose between work and family, attendees shared personal stories and data-driven insights on these pressing issues. Women entrepreneurs also voiced concerns about access to capital, while working mothers detailed the struggles of balancing work, childcare, and financial security without sufficient support systems.

The conversation also turned to healthcare disparities, particularly Louisiana’s maternal mortality crisis, which disproportionately impacts Black women. Many attendees shared experiences of delayed care, inadequate postpartum support, and difficulties accessing quality healthcare—issues that are exacerbated for those on Medicaid. Domestic violence and sexual assault resources were another major concern, as organizations that provide legal aid, housing, and emergency assistance are losing funding, leaving survivors with limited options for safety and recovery. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the state’s human trafficking crisis, underscoring the urgent need for stronger community awareness and legislative action.

With a focus on solutions and mobilization, attendees emphasized the importance of policy advocacy, community engagement, and resource-sharing to push for systemic change. From expanding paid family leave to strengthening early education programs and domestic violence support services, the call underscored the power of collective action. As One Rouge continues its "On My Mama" series, participants are encouraged to stay engaged, advocate for meaningful policy changes, and support community initiatives. Change starts with awareness, but true progress comes when we take action together—because One Rouge, One Move means real progress for all.

Notes

Zoom Meeting Notes: Series Kickoff and Community engagement

Date: March 7, 2025

Focus: This special session launched our new OneRouge March series, “On My Momma”: Celebrating, Connecting & Mobilizing Women in The Boot.

💡 Key Themes:

Economic Equity & Workforce Challenges

Gender Pay Gap: Louisiana ranks last in gender pay equity, with women earning 69 cents for every dollar men make.
Women-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship: Barriers include limited access to capital and work-life balance challenges.

Childcare & Parental Support

Childcare Crisis: The cost of childcare in Louisiana exceeds college tuition, making it unaffordable for many families.
Paid Family Leave: Louisiana does not require paid family leave, forcing many women to return to work too soon after childbirth.

Healthcare Disparities

Maternal Health Crisis: Louisiana has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, disproportionately affecting Black women.
Access to Care: Many women, especially those on Medicaid, struggle to receive consistent and quality healthcare.

Violence & Safety Concerns

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault: Survivors face limited legal, financial, and housing support, with many crisis programs losing funding.
Human Trafficking: Louisiana is a hotspot for trafficking, yet stronger prevention efforts and community resources are needed.

✅ Action Items:

✅ Advocate for Policy Change: Engage in upcoming elections and policy discussions to support equal pay, family leave, and healthcare access.

✅ Support Community Efforts: Connect with organizations providing childcare, healthcare, legal aid, and domestic violence resources.

✅ Stay Engaged: Sign up for the One Rouge Newsletter for weekly updates, community resources, and action items.

🗓️ Upcoming Events:

Earth Day with The Walls Project: April 19, 2025

🌎 Final Thoughts:

This week's call proved that true wisdom and impact come from the community—not just those with titles or platforms. Women have always been the driving force of change, and when we listen, uplift, and take action together, our collective power is unstoppable. Let’s keep showing up, speaking up, and proving that every voice matters.

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