Statement from YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell on the Swearing in of the 119th Congress

“Today, as the nation welcomes the 119th Congress to Washington, YWCA looks forward to working in partnership with elected leaders to advance our mission for peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

Across 45 states and the District of Columbia, nearly 200 YWCAs work each day to provide critical services and programs: supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence, providing child care and Head Start, creating pathways for financial empowerment and economic security, and much more.

We call upon all Members of Congress—veterans and new leaders—to ensure the safety, health, bodily autonomy, equity, and equality of all women, girls, non-binary and transgender individuals, and others impacted by enduring systems of racial and gender inequity.

As we have done for more than 165 years, YWCA is steadfast in our commitment to continue our work with all stakeholders who care about empowering women and girls to advance the policies that support the communities that we serve in the spirit of partnership and accountability.”