It was Friday, June 24th, 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade and took away our constitutional rights and access to essential health care after almost 50 years. A day America never thought would happen left us all outraged and devastated. When I discovered the news, my world froze for a moment, and I looked at my daughter. While I’m past my reproductive years, my daughter isn’t, and neither are the millions of other women living in America. This decision affects us all, and it’s our responsibility to take action. When my daughter came to me, I took a deep breath, looked at her, and said here is what you can do, what we can all do to support the advocacy of women’s rights and equality, and continue to persevere.

How to Support the Advocacy of Women’s Rights and Equality: 5 Strategies

1. Make sure you are registered to vote

Voting is the most powerful act you can make, and the more you exercise your right to vote, the more important it is for politicians to address growing interests and concerns. If you don’t vote, politicians won’t be motivated to listen or take action because their campaigns and positions aren’t at risk. Thankfully, you have an upcoming opportunity to address your concerns in the general election on November 8th. Don’t forget to register beforehand and remember, your vote, voice, and your beliefs all matter.

2. Call your representatives and representatives from other states

One of the best ways to take action is to pressure your local and federal governments to protect reproductive rights. For example, contact Colin Allred in Texas or Stephanie Bice in Oklahoma. If you don’t know your representative, enter your zip code and find yours on Ziplook. Afterward, act further and email or tweet President Joe Biden or Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives. To speak to the Supreme Court, go to their contact page and either call, email, or send a letter to urge them to defend women’s choices over their bodies and futures.

While you’re at it, why not contact and pressure supporting parties to the decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade? Speaking with United States Senators, such as Mitchell McConnell from Kentucky, Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, Mitt Romney from Utah, Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi, or Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee, allows you to urge them to oppose restrictions on abortions and protect bills that support women. Head to senate.gov to find a list of current senators and their contact information. Every step you take is a step in the right direction towards the advocacy of women’s rights and equality, including ensuring that access to abortion care becomes a guaranteed right.

3. Support your local Planned Parenthood

Thankfully, Planned Parenthood is one of several health centers that continues to provide millions of people in the U.S. with safe, legal abortions, testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and contraception. Any donation you can provide supports their efforts to continue supporting the 1 in 5 women who rely on their services. If donating is not possible, there are other ways you can show your support. You can join their team, volunteer, or participate in their growing movement #StandwithPP.

4. Speak about the injustices

Nearly one in four women in the United States will have an abortion by the age of 45. Because of this, it’s important that we band together, tell our own stories, and support others to join the movement. If you feel compelled to share yours, use the hashtag #WhateverTheReason and break the stigma. Protests are also another way to speak about the injustices and draw attention. They send empowering messages that can lessen stigma and inspire action for policy change. Throughout history, women and other millions of Americans have exercised their power by joining together to activate solutions. You can organize a protest with your friends or community groups, or you can google search several pro-abortion and women’s rights rallies in your city or state.

5. Take action and create a fundraising event

After I heard the news about Roe vs. Wade, I couldn’t sit by idly and take it. I knew I needed to be a part of the solution. I created the Women Empowering Women Portrait Campaign (WEW campaign) through my studio, Monica Lau Photography, to benefit Planned Parenthood and its continued efforts to support women. Within 48 hours, I received the support of the Women’s Fund of Hawaii and Planned Parenthood of Hawaii, and my project was underway. During July, my campaign raised funds, increased awareness, and directly supported an organization that views abortion and reproductive rights as the full spectrum of women’s healthcare.

I’m proud to say that on July 31st, when the WEW campaign ended, it reached 28,184 eyes, 17 powerful and personal stories were shared, and it raised $3,000 for women’s rights. One of the beautiful participants was the former 2000 President of Planned Parenthood of Hawaii. Way to support!

Every dollar my team and I fundraised will directly go to Planned Parenthood Alliance PAC, a federal SuperPAC that runs independent expenditure campaigns for federal-level candidates in the Pacific region. Our contribution will allow them to support and inspire a positive change in our government - change we desperately need.

What does this campaign mean for you and your journey? It means that you have the power to create a similar event to support Planned Parenthood or the several nonpartisan abortion rights organizations that need your help to cover the costs for those unable to receive a safe abortion. Donating to these organizations ensures safety and protection.

We no longer have the right to control our bodies, but we do have the right to choose how we respond to this injustice. Generations before you fought, overcame obstacles and pioneered to protect our rights. Please join the movement to continue their efforts.

You have the power to make a difference

I love witnessing and learning about actions towards uplifting, empowering, and supporting women’s rights. It personally felt good to be one of them and have my voice heard towards protecting our personal choices. My campaign was one small contribution that helped the significant problem of women’s rights issues. But it was also a pivotal moment to be a role model for my daughter and for future generations.

If you were also devastated by the Roe vs. Wade overturn, please remember that you, as you are right now, have the power to make a difference. Whether it’s small or big, any step towards the advocacy of women’s rights and equality is greatly needed. We're in this together and unfortunately, this fight is not over.

A Women Empowering Women Event: How to Support the Advocacy of Women's Rights and Equality