May 9, 2023
In Part 2, Maria speaks about the
many types of events that have taken place at the Women's Building
over the years. This includes: poetry
readings, quinceañeras, baptisms, weddings, even a Green
Day show and other punk shows in the '90s. It's also served as
a safe space.
Many non-profit community groups
have come out of the Women's Building. La Casa de
las Madres and the Women's Foundation California are two
examples.
Then Kristen talks about what's
happening at the Women's Building these days. Rooted in
leftist/Marxist philosophy since Day 1, they respond to community
needs and meet people where they are. This includes so many people,
such as women just arriving in the US or San Francisco.
Staff at TWB help these folks learn
the landscape of The City and give them tools they might need for
themselves and their families.
There is an array of resource
clinics offered at TWB, from help with legal and tax issues to
a food program. They help undocumented women, who are the most
vulnerable and susceptible to workplace abuse. They offer housing
resources and also do advocacy on affordable housing
issues.
The conversation shifts to TWB's
work since the election of 2016 ... this includes their immigration
clinic and family reunification program. Last summer, after the US
Supreme Court overturned 50 years of precedent and Roe v. Wade, the
Women's Building joined the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom.
They've been working on legislation, including 2022's Prop 1, which
codified abortion access in the state. On issues around menstrual
health, they co-sponsored SB 260 ($20 for menstrual
health products), which is in committee now. Kristen and Maria
speak to the need to think of issues around reproductive
health holistically, whether it's birth control, menstrual health,
menopause, abortion, or other topics.
We end the podcast with a shout out
to Women's Building volunteers as well as a call for more
volunteers. Please follow and engage with the Women's Building
online and over social media.
Photography by Michelle Kilfeather