Forget the candy and flowers this Valentine’s Day. Do away with the trappings of the romantic-industrial complex. And dare I say, abandon the premier of Fifty Shades of Grey. If you really want to develop your love life, then rise up for justice.
If, as Cornel West affirms, “justice is what love looks like in public,” then Valentine’s Day should focus on fairness and equality for all.
That’s why Sojourners is celebrating Valentine’s Day with One Billion Rising, a global day of action to end violence against women. Through the #RiseForTheRaise campaign, we’re joining the fight for pay equity to help put an end to gender-based violence.
Unfair wages and economic injustice often leave women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. When women, who make up two-thirds of the world's poor, are unable to meet their basic needs and support themselves and their families, they become at risk for all forms of violence—sexual, physical, emotional, and psychological.
Many women in search of economic survival fall prey to human trafficking, while others without financial resources remain in abusive relationships. Economic empowerment is key to breaking the gender trap of women, violence, and poverty.
In the U.S., women continued to be devalued. When women are paid less than men for equal work, we deny women their sacred worth and contribute to a culture that perpetuates violence against women and girls. It’s time to #RiseForTheRaise!
In God’s economy, all are created equal and should be treated fairly. It’s time for people of faith to rise up and close the gender pay gap.
Join Sojourners in lifting up the sacred worth of women and girls. Together we can publicly express our justice and love for women. Take action now:
- Download and take a photo with a #RiseForTheRaise sign. Submit your photo via email ([email protected]) or Twitter (@SojoWomen) to be included in an online gallery of supporters.
- Sign this letter urging Congress to pass stronger fair wage laws.
Elaina Ramsey is Women & Girls Campaign Associate at Sojourners.
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