Statement by NOW President Christian F. Nunes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – From politics and activism to the arts, sciences, and business, Latine and Hispanic women have left a lasting mark on American history. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the incredible role Latine and Hispanic women have played — and will continue to play — in shaping the nation’s cultural, social, and economic landscape.
Currently, one in five women in the United States are Latine or Hispanic. By 2060, this number will be one in three. This growing population has consistently broken barriers, defied stereotypes, and enriched the fabric of the United States. But even as their numbers grow, Latine and Hispanic women still experience the most significant wage gap of any major racial or ethnic group. Like so many other women of color, they also face unemployment, voting restrictions, failing maternal health care, disparate treatment by law enforcement, systemic racism, and xenophobia.
As part of our commitment to intersectionality, we embrace and celebrate Latine and Hispanic women as a way for greater representation and inclusivity for all. When we believe in each other, we uphold the principles of equality and diversity at the heart of our fight for equal rights.
Individual support for Latine and Hispanic women highlights their accomplishments and collectively looks toward a bright future. By fostering an environment where Hispanic women can thrive, we create opportunities for mentorship, education, and empowerment, which, in turn, contributes to a more robust economy, a more vibrant cultural landscape, and a more cohesive society.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to support Latine and Hispanic women through our work to close the wage gap, fight for bodily autonomy and reproductive justice, and encourage voter registration and election participation at all levels.
We honor the legacies of those who came before us and pave the way for a future where every woman, regardless of background, can dream, achieve, and inspire.
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