Blog
by Megan Plassmeyer on Oct 10, 2018
From projects like Seen and Heard: Women and Girls in the Midlands, we recognize that the voices of girls, and specifically girls of color, often go unheard in our state. And it’s not because our girls aren’t talking, it’s because we aren’t listening. We are constantly battling a myth that our young people “don’t know what
Advocate Stories, Uncategorized
by WREN Staff on Oct 10, 2018
Our nest is getting bigger! Meet WREN’s newest staff member and Policy Assistant, Damilola Ajisegiri. 1. Where are you from? I was born in Nigeria but grew up in Snellville, GA. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in Psychology & a minor in Women Studies. I then moved to South Carolina
by Sarah Nichols on Oct 5, 2018
If you’ve been tuning into the Kavanaugh hearings in some form or fashion, you are probably feeling discouraged after watching Dr. Ford being discredited after sharing intensely intimate and gut-wrenching testimony. (You can read our full statement on the hearings here.) Thank you to all of our advocates who have spoken out, called your senators,
by Ann Warner on Sep 28, 2018
Statement from Ann Warner, CEO, WREN This week we witnessed the courage of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford as she shared her experience of sexual assault before the Senate Judiciary Committee. As we watched her, we carry our histories with us: we remember the strength of Professor Anita Hill years ago when she came forward with her story of
Economic Opportunity, Special Events
by Courtney Thomas on Sep 27, 2018
Hey, there. As the Upstate Women’s Economic Empowerment Summit approaches, I have a favor to ask of you. Yes, you, dear reader. When you join us at Furman on November 9th, you’ll get the opportunity to be an active voice and leader in group conversations and movement-building exercises. Together, we’ll be able to think through new
Advocate Stories, Special Events
by Megan Plassmeyer on Sep 25, 2018
Dr. Christine Blasey Ford has bravely come forward and shared her story about her sexual assault at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Even though Dr. Blasey Ford has repeatedly stated her desire to testify and bravely share her story, Senate Republicans are doing everything they can to shame, bully, and force her
Leadership and Civic Engagement
by Sarah Nichols on Sep 20, 2018
As many of you know, WREN has been streaming Facebook Live content every Friday since the start of July. We use these #FacebookLiveFridays (and sometimes additional days, too) to highlight the great work our partners are doing and discuss relevant issues facing the women and girls of South Carolina. Doing our Facebook live videos has
Health and Education, Policy Updates
by Ashley Lidow on Sep 17, 2018
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) has applied for a Medicaid waiver to change the way that family planning services are delivered in South Carolina. While the stated intentions of the waiver are to improve maternal and child healthcare, this change in policy will limit South Carolinians’ access to the health
by Sarah Nichols on Sep 14, 2018
As you all know by now, Hurricane Florence is expected to hit South Carolina this weekend. Governor McMaster ordered mandatory evacuations for many coastal counties. Columbia’s counties are not included in mandatory evacuations, although recent forecasts do predict that the Midlands will be in Florence’s path. Here in South Carolina we are no strangers to
Advocate Stories, Health and Education, Policy Updates
by Sarah Nichols on Sep 6, 2018
ICYMI: In response to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings that started on Tuesday, Lynn Paltrow, the Executive Director of the National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW), joined us for a discussion on our Facebook live page on how the Supreme Court nomination will affect Roe v. Wade. Lynn currently placed an op-ed in the New York Times on
Now is the time to invest in South Carolina’s women, girls, and families. We need people like you joining the movement, speaking out, and leading the way toward positive change.