This is a consensus statement from the majority of PowHer™ New York members.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves as a call to action, a reminder to speak out against all forms of sexual assault and redouble our efforts to create a culture free from fear and abuse. PowHer™ New York, a network of individuals and organizations collaborating to accelerate economic equality for New York women* and families, is committed to the hard work to achieve this vision. This commitment compels us to speak out about gender-based violence and harassment wherever and whenever it happens, and to support those who come forward about their experiences.
PowHer™ New York stands in solidarity with all those who take the risk of making public their experiences of sexual harassment and toxic workplace culture. It is critical to name injustice and hear those voices, but there are so many barriers to coming forward, and for some, it is impossible. Throughout history women, especially Black women, women of color, low-income women and so many others, have come forward, only to be ignored, dismissed, or punished. Countless others have suffered in silence.
We stand in solidarity with all women. And today we express support for those who have stepped forward with allegations of illegal and unacceptable conduct by our Governor. They have done so at great risk to their careers, livelihoods and reputations. We call for an end to the public defamation and retaliation these women have endured since coming forward; such attacks act to discourage others from speaking out, ultimately undermining the elimination of systemic racism and misogyny from our institutions and halls of government. We await the findings of the investigations, led by Attorney General Letitita James and the NYS Assembly, which should proceed with urgency and without interference.
New York policymakers have a special responsibility to address and reverse the pernicious culture of harassment and abuse of power in Albany and beyond. We need real leaders of all genders who have the willingness and courage to speak out and create the necessary systemic change for an equitable and inclusive workplace and society. In particular, we need more men in power to recognize and take responsibility for toxic masculinity in our institutions. We all have the responsibility to strive to create a culture of consent, dignity, autonomy, and respect.
Too much is at stake. We must get this right.
In April and throughout the year, PowHerNY works to build a world where all people have the opportunity to contribute and work in an environment of safety. It is part of our vision and Roadmap for Inclusive Gender Justice in New York. Find out more here: bit.ly/RoadmapNY
*We define the term woman to refer to anyone who identifies as a woman, including but not limited to cisgender, trans, and nonbinary women.