May 2026 Newsletter
From Sine Die to Special Session and What’s Next
As the General Assembly’s regular legislative session has come to a close, lawmakers have now moved into a special session, which is a reminder that the work shaping our communities does not stop when session officially ends. We’ll continue closely monitoring developments around the state budget, redistricting, and other critical issues impacting women and families across South Carolina, while ensuring everyone stays informed and equipped to take action.
At the same time, planning is well underway for our WREN 10-Year Anniversary Summit this October, a milestone moment for reflection, connection, and recommitment to the work of advancing gender equity across South Carolina. It feels especially meaningful to be in both a season of urgency and a season of preparation, holding today’s fights while building toward what’s next. Early bird tickets are now available and can be purchased here.
Also, today marks the start of early voting. We know access to clear, trusted voter information is more important than ever. We encourage every voter to make a plan, stay informed, and utilize resources like the South Carolina Voter Guide to learn more about what’s on the ballot and how to participate. Civic engagement is strongest when communities have the tools and information needed to make their voices heard.
As always, we are guided by what we hear from communities across the state, and that will continue to shape everything we do.
Policy Update from Chief Strategy Officer Ashley Lidow
This month marked the close of South Carolina’s regular legislative session, but we are now in a special session where the rules are less predictable, and anything can move quickly. This includes harmful bills that don’t reflect the needs or voices of our communities. As we continue monitoring these conversations, we’re focused on making sure we stay grounded in what’s happening in real time, keeping people informed, and pushing back when necessary.
To better understand what happened this regular legislative session and what’s still in play, please watch our recent Sine Die Webinar here! Understanding the process is key to showing up in it.
Events Recap from Senior Partnership & Engagement Associate Aisha Jones
This month, I had the chance to be in community with women and girls across South Carolina in really meaningful ways. From facilitating conversations on the Status of Women and Girls to leading Advocacy 101 sessions across the state (including in Charleston, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg Counties). In every space, one thing has become abundantly clear: people are ready to be engaged and want clear, accessible ways to advocate for their communities and the issues that matter most. These gatherings continue to be a powerful place where we listen, build trust, and ensure communities can see themselves in the very policy conversations shaping their everyday lives.
We’re also proud to have partnerned with Revolution Red this month to raise awareness about period poverty and help provide period products to community members in need through direct service efforts and a local packing party.
Donor Relations Note from our CEO Dr. Amalia Luxardo
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported WREN through Midlands Gives this year!
Your generosity directly fuels our work across South Carolina, from policy tracking and civic engagement to community education and advocacy training. Because of your support, we are able to continue showing up in spaces where women and families are shaping the policies that impact their lives.
If you’ve contributed to WREN, we want to know what you love about our work! Is it our weekly updates, community events, or something else? Email us at press@scwren.org and let us know so that we can continue doing it and make sure your voice is heard.
Thank you for investing in this work and for standing with us.
In community,
Dr. Amalia Luxardo, CEO
Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network