Room for both. International Women’s Day meets Ladies Day for 2A – TODAY at the RI State House

Women who advocate for causes near and dear to their hearts can often me found at the RI State House. They are the very foundation of the citizen advocacy groups. Sometimes they wear red – for Moms Demand Action. Sometimes they wear pink – for Breast Cancer causes. This Tuesday – TODAY – it might look a little like an early Easter – as two groups of hard working women advocates will gather at the same time – 3pm – to support their causes.

One group will be wearing yellow. One group will be wearing purple. As much as those colors blend so well, especially with spring in the air, their causes and concerns are as different as black and white.

The yellow-clad ladies will be gathered for Ladies Day at the RI State House – organized by the Rhode Island Revolver and Rifle Association – under RI Gun Rights – bringing together women who support the Second Amendment and want to take an active role in advocacy on behalf of the right to bear arms, their Second Amendment rights – and against the plethora of bills introduced this year that they say will impinge on those rights.

They say, “Rhode Island women are making their voices heard in the fight to protect their families, their rights, and their ability to defend the ones they love. All women who support the right to self-defense and the Second Amendment are encouraged to attend – and bring a friend and help fill the rotunda with yellow!” Their agenda for the day:

State House Tour – See where Rhode Island’s laws take shape.

Meet & Greet with Legislators – Connect with senators and representatives who support our rights.

Advocacy Resources – Get info packets with key facts and information to empower your conversations.

Building A Strong, Supportive Community – This event is open to all women who value their right to self-defense and want to be part of a like-minded network.

Planning for the Future – A chance to discuss upcoming events and future opportunities to stay engaged in the movement.

The number of women involved in shooting sports and gun ownership is growing, with organizations like the NRA and A Girl & A Gun providing programs and resources for female gun enthusiasts, offering training, clubs, and competitions. Minority women seem to be the growing group, nationally, wanting to own a gun, motivating out of violence and home protection, and a sense of community – even though nearly half of Americans feel too many people own guns. America’s First Freedom noted, “It is believed that more Latinos, Asians, and Black Americans also bought their very first gun last year than ever before.”

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International Women’s Day

While some recognized International Women’s Day this past Sunday, March 8th, the United Nations recognized date is March 11th, which they have recognized since 1975. The day at the RI State House is being hosted by Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown) to “put a spotlight on the smart, driven women of Rhode Island”.

The theme of the day in Rhode Island is “Accelerate Action” to achieve gender equity and equality.

Speakers will include:

Leslie Bunnell, president of the Rhode Island National Organization for Women

Dawn Williams, R.N., a Service Employees International Union delegate at Butler Hospital.

The event will take place on at 3 p.m. in the House Lounge on the second floor of the State House.

Participants are encouraged to wear purple to symbolize justice, dignity and solidarity with the women’s rights movement.

The Rhode Island International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on the achievements of women and the fight for gender equality. It is also a day for acknowledging the strides the world has taken in advancing women’s rights, freedoms and protections.

The United Nations International Women’s Day notes their theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

To the hundreds of women who will gather at the RI State House we hope listening to one another, and visiting with each other’s groups is part of the day. While the White House and Congress is often referred to as “The People’s House”, the RI State House is OUR People’s House.

As Jane Goodall said, “Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with people who are doing something you don’t believe is right.”