Your Health, Your Rights, Your Future:
Our Policy Pillars
At BWHI, we are in this fight with you—every single day. We know the weight of these times, the way policies are being used to target our rights, our bodies, and our families. We see the barriers being built to restrict our access to healthcare, to silence our voices at the ballot box, and to undermine the economic security of our communities. But let us be clear: we are undeterred.
This is not just about policies on paper—this is about our lives. And while those in power may try to push us back, we are standing firm, pushing forward, and demanding better. The work we do isn’t just advocacy, it’s a commitment to protecting and uplifting Black women and our families. Our policy pillars are not just ideals—they are the foundation of our relentless quest for a world that is fair for all.
We are rallying for you. We are fighting for your health, your vote, your rights, and your future. Because when we stand together, no policy, no law, and no politician can erase our power.
Pillar I: Access to Quality and Affordable Healthcare
Access to quality and affordable healthcare is essential for improving overall health outcomes and reducing health disparities. This multifaceted pillar centers on the following key issue areas: sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice, Medicaid and Medicare protection and expansion, HIV prevention and treatment, mental health services, women’s health research, drug pricing, chronic disease prevention, and rare disease management. Every generation of Black women and girls deserve the opportunity to make decisions about their health based on evidence-based information in consultation with culturally competent healthcare providers.
Pillar II: Healthy Families and Children First
Healthy families and children are the foundation of a thriving society. This pillar emphasizes the importance of comprehensive policies that support maternal health and wellness, including maternal mental health, financial stability, housing, and nutrition/food security for families and children. By prioritizing these areas, we can ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed and that families have the resources they need to thrive.
Pillar III: Equitable Governance and Relationships
If we truly strive to form a more perfect union, we must have equitable governance that is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” This pillar centers on the important role of building transformative relationships with lawmakers, policymakers, and coalition partners at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that policy changes protect and promote the health and well-being of Black women and girls.
Pillar IV: Employment/Education Justice and Equity
Employment and education justice and equity are vital for ensuring that all individuals have access to fair opportunities and support systems. This pillar addresses the need for culturally tailored and comprehensive curricula for the training ofhealth leaders. Competent comprehensive sex education, as well as the impacts of climate change on health, workplace protections for pregnant and postpartum workers, and protecting the mission of and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Ensuring justice and equity in these areas promotes a more inclusive and supportive society.
Pillar V: Technology Access and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Access to technology and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) are critical for ensuring that all individuals can participate in and benefit from the digital economy. This pillar addresses the need for equitable technology access, the ethical development and deployment of AI, and the promotion of digital literacy and skills.