by Nancy J. Newman, Founder and President, IANGEL
On November 9, 2016, we awoke to a new reality. The world was rocked.
The IANGEL community and countless women and men who care deeply about women’s rights and human rights are concerned for the future. But our work provides a shining ray of hope. It will light our path forward.
California’s new senator-elect recently told her followers, “do not despair,” because the work ahead is hard, and worth fighting for. But as a starting place, let me give a shout-out to despair. How the bulwark of rights in our democracy will fare in the future is unknown. We cannot deny the fear of what lies ahead for our minority and immigrant communities, for our nation, and our planet. The threats are real, and they are serious. As my daughter, a mental health professional, wryly observed, we “cannot hyper-function our way out of this.” So, it is ok to mourn.
But then we must work. The work begins with understanding, and seizing the opportunity to create the change we wish to see. This is work that our network of lawyers is uniquely suited to do. As we advocate for equality and justice, we can find common ground with Americans of all parties and persuasions. Indeed, we share our struggle with our sisters and brothers around the world, striving to protect basic human rights in a free and civil society. We are not alone in this fight. Love and compassion have no borders.
I spent 13 hours on election day watching the vote in a heavily African American precinct in Las Vegas, to observe and protect this foundation of our democracy. Of the 664 people who came to vote that day, over 3% (22 voters) were given provisional ballots, that often do not count. Many were adamant that they had registered and one even had his sample ballot in his hand, showing his correct name and address and indicating that his polling place was exactly where he was. Yet somehow he was not “in the system” and forced to vote provisionally. Multiply those 22 provisional ballots by the over 1100 precincts in the three congressional districts in Clark County Nevada, and it is easy to appreciate the impact of these issues on the essential fairness of our elections. At the same time, I was so proud of the many old and young, some in walkers, some with babies on their shoulders or kids in tow, who came out to vote, to make their voices heard. I was moved by the warmth of the poll worker who thanked each and every person for voting, and wished them a wonderful day. As we go forward, we must be vigilant to defend and preserve our democratic institutions to protect fundamental rights.
So let’s stand up, and get back to work. We have the right to speak, to meet, and to write. We have skills to advocate for the values we cherish, and to strengthen the rule of law. Our ideas, our passion, and our commitment to a fairer world can change hearts and minds, and the course of history. IANGEL is there, working to mobilize and engage pro bono legal resources, and deploy them in the struggle for women’s rights locally, nationally, and all around the world. We know we are playing a long game. As Stella Odife, a women’s rights lawyer in Nigeria, once told me, “I have no doubt that one day, women will achieve equality. It may not be in my lifetime. But I see my job is to make that day sooner, rather than later.”
Yes, it has been a tough week. But we still draw breath. And while we breathe, we will move forward. Join us.