Now that Donald Trump is officially the 45th president of the United States, it's time to get to work. One of the biggest things at stake right now is women's reproductive rights. Not just because Trump plans to repeal Obamacare, but plans are in motion to defund Planned Parenthood, and on Thursday it was reported that Trump will try to eliminate Violence Against Women Grants.
What is becoming abundantly clear is that Trump's war on women is extending well past just taking away access to low-cost birth control, sexual health education, and a woman's right to choose, but he's even considering cutting financial aid for women who are the victims of violence. Personally, I can't, for the life of me, wrap my brain around these plans of his, and frankly, I don't want to — that would mean I understand. That would mean I'm normalizing this presidency.
But while these things are definitely scary AF, we can at least do our part to make sure that, should these become a reality, we will have set in motion ways to counter them. Here are five ways to fight for women's rights TODAY.
1Donate To A Group That Works To Protect Women's Reproductive Rights
Although Planned Parenthood is definitely in need of donations, they're not the only ones. Organizations like the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project, The Center for Reproductive Rights, and National Organization For Women also work hard to protect women's reproductive rights and can use any funds you can spare.
2Volunteer Your Time
If you don't have money to donate because funds are tight, then get out there and volunteer. Organizations that work to protect women's rights, like Planned Parenthood, are always looking for people to volunteer their time. Whether it means filing things in their office or getting out on the street to collect donations, volunteering is a great hands-on approach to fighting for women's rights.
3Educate Yourself
As they say, knowledge is power — and that power is more necessary than ever. This education will come in handy should you run in to someone who is ill-informed about women's rights, most notably just how many abortions Planned Parenthood performs year. It's time to be loud and fight for women's rights with our voice.
4Get Involved
Am I suggesting you go out later today and start planning your presidential campaign for 2020? No. Well, not unless you want to, of course. But what I do mean is get to know your local politicians in regards to their political standing on women's issues and volunteer where you can.
If you find that a local politician is adamantly against women's rights, then make your voice heard by attending local meetings, writing letters, and signing petitions. Basically, channel your inner Leslie Knope.
5Be There For The Women In Your Life
We, as women, need each other so much right now. If a friend, or even a friend of friend whom you've never met, needs a ride to Planned Parenthood and you have a car, offer to take them. If someone you know is dealing with an unwanted pregnancy and aren't sure what to do, be there for them, listen, and support whatever choices they make for their body.
Let your network on Facebook know that if anyone is stressed out, scared, sad, or angry about what's to come, you're there for them. Get together with your friends and talk about self-care techniques, as well as plans to work together to fight for our rights. Simply, be there for the women in your life and let them be there for you. We can't do this alone.
Although there are many other ways to fight for women's rights, these are five you can do today, as in right now. So get to it; consider it the first step in the right direction of protecting what should never be threatened: Our basic human rights.
