CHICAGO, IL—(ENEWSPF)—August 7, 2017. A grassroots coalition of Illinois women has formed to host a panel discussion on issues important to women with the Democratic candidates for Governor of Illinois. Candidates will share a stage to answer questions about their viewpoints, policy ideas, and past engagement with progressive issues such as equal pay, equal representation, reproductive health access, and more. The event is free and open to the public.
The hosting organizations are Women’s March Illinois, Indivisible Illinois, and She Votes Illinois. She Votes Illinois is a newly formed political organization aimed at highlighting the importance of women’s issues in elections and policymaking. Each of these groups formed in the wake of the 2016 presidential election as part of a national wave of new activism and citizen engagement that is now shaping the local and national political landscape.
The all-women planning committee for the Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates’ Women’s Forum are thrilled to be combining their energy and passion to host a large-scale event that brings women’s voices front and center to the 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race. This event is the premier opportunity for Illinoisans to see all of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates together on one stage and wholly focused on the diverse and vital issues most important to Illinois women.
“Women have been leading the resistance to the Trump agenda since November 9th, and are at the forefront of the struggle to protect our communities,” said Mrinalini Chakraborty, Women’s March Head of Field Operations and Women’s March Illinois Founder. “Women’s March Illinois is a proud host of the gubernatorial forum because it is essential to our mission that women, and especially women of color, have a seat at every table, and that candidates know, without a doubt, what women demand.”
“The Indivisible movement is all about citizen engagement and empowerment, and that starts with building an engaged and informed group of voters,” said Robin Dusek, Indivisible Illinois Co-Chair. “That’s why forums like this are important – they allow people to hear from candidates on issues they care about.”
“The women of Illinois are politically engaged, we are diverse, and we are committed to making our voices heard and respected by our elected officials at every level,” said Liz Kersjes, president of She Votes Illinois. “The Women’s Forum is a can’t-miss opportunity for women and allies of women to hear from all of the candidates on issues women care about. We want every Illinoisan to make an informed and confident decision when voting in the 2018 primary election.”
“This is an exciting effort that will bring women’s issues to the forefront of political discourse in Illinois,” said State Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago).
The Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates’ Women’s Forum will take place on Thursday, October 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. She Votes Illinois is securing a location and will announce soon.
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Source: She Votes Illinois