International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th, and it is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the world. It is also a day to raise awareness about the challenges that women face and to advocate for gender equality. In the state of Oklahoma, women face numerous challenges that put them at risk of poverty and food insecurity.
As a woman who has experienced poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity, I can personally attest to the difficulties that many women in Oklahoma face. These challenges are often rooted in systemic issues that make it difficult for women to access the resources and support they need to thrive.
Affordable Housing
One of the biggest challenges that women face in Oklahoma is access to affordable housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Oklahoma has a shortage of affordable rental homes, and many low-income families spend more than half of their income on rent. This can make it difficult for women who are living on a tight budget to find safe and stable housing, which can lead to homelessness and a range of other issues.
Lack of Healthcare Access
Another challenge that women face in Oklahoma is access to healthcare. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Oklahoma ranks 45th in the nation for healthcare access and affordability. This can make it difficult for women to access the healthcare services they need, including reproductive healthcare, mental healthcare, and preventative care.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is also a major issue for women in Oklahoma. According to Feeding America, 13.2% of Oklahoma households are food insecure, meaning they do not have access to enough nutritious food for an active and healthy life. A large percentage of women and children are particularly at risk of food insecurity, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made this issue worse. I know this firsthand in my work at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
These challenges are not unique to Oklahoma, but they are particularly acute in this state. However, there are steps that can be taken to address them. One important step is to advocate for policies and programs that support women and families, such as affordable housing initiatives, healthcare expansion, and food assistance programs.
How Can We Make a Difference this International Women’s Day?
In addition, it is important to raise awareness about these issues and to support organizations that are working to address them like supporting organizations like Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma and Canadian Counties, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (slightly biased here), the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Oklahoma Policy Institute, Hunger Free Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic and the Habitat for Humanity of Central Oklahoma. By working together, we can create a brighter future for women in Oklahoma and around the world.
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Champion Women on International Women’s Day
In conclusion, International Women’s Day is an important reminder of the challenges that women face, and the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. In Oklahoma, women face a range of systemic challenges that can put them at risk of poverty and food insecurity. By raising awareness about these issues and advocating for change, we can help create a brighter future for women in our state and beyond International Women’s Day.
Sources:
National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2021). The GAP: A Shortage of Affordable Homes. https://nlihc.org/gap
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). State Health Facts: Oklahoma. https://www.kff.org/state-category/health-status-access/
Feeding America. (2021). Map the Meal Gap 2021: Oklahoma. https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/map-the-meal-gap/2021/OK
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