WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle Members Attend MLAW Fall Conference - "Women Lead in Maryland: Protecting Our Rights"

By Wawira Waiganjo
WGC Young Women's Giving Circle "Break the Cycle" Intern

This weekend Paula Seabright from the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County and Isha Ande and Tanvi Anand from the Mount Hebron Period Club and I attended the Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW) Fall Conference - "Women Lead in Maryland: Protecting Our Rights"

This was my first time attending an MLAW Conference, and it was an incredibly informative experience. I learned a lot about how bills are proposed and how much collaboration and passion go into each idea.

It was inspiring to see so many groups present thoughtful and motivated proposals on issues that truly matter.

Ms. Paula Seabright and Isha Ande presented a bill being sponsored by Delegate Jessica Feldmark, on expanding period product access in higher education. Their proposal was met with enthusiasm and constructive feedback, including suggestions such as adding information about the cost of period products to strengthen the bill. Other groups shared proposals on topics ranging from increasing the availability of substitute workers for early education facilities to expanding protections for sexual assault survivors; each offering new perspectives and solutions.

When Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth spoke, she was honest about the challenges of passing legislation, but she also encouraged us to stay engaged, to volunteer, advocate, and keep pushing for progress.

In a time when it’s easy to lose hope, this conference reminded me that we do have the power to create change!

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