Strength, Resilience, and the Path Forward
Women have always been at the heart of progress. From leading social movements to breaking barriers in science, business, and politics, women have shaped the world in ways that are undeniable and transformative. March is a time to celebrate these achievements, to recognize the resilience and determination that have propelled women forward despite adversity, and to recommit ourselves to a future where all women can thrive.
Women’s History Month is not just about looking back—it is about looking around us and seeing the power of women today. It is about honoring those who came before us while uplifting those who continue to fight for equity, safety, and opportunity. It is about acknowledging that while progress has been made, the work is far from over. Because for every success story, there are still women facing profound struggles—violence, exploitation, poverty, and systemic barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive injustices affecting women today. One in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, and for those in vulnerable circumstances—women facing homelessness, poverty, or systemic discrimination—the risks are even greater. Violence is often not a singular event but a continuous cycle. Many survivors of childhood abuse find themselves trapped in exploitative situations as adults. Many women attempting to escape domestic violence end up without stable housing or financial security, leaving them vulnerable to further harm. And those who have been commercially sexually exploited often struggle to access the resources and support needed to truly break free.
Yet despite these challenges, women have always risen—supporting one another, leading change, and building communities of resilience. In Sacramento, we are fortunate to have organizations dedicated to addressing these issues and ensuring that women not only survive but thrive.
- My Sister’s House provides vital resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, with a focus on culturally responsive care for Asian and Pacific Islander women. Their programs offer emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and employment assistance to help survivors rebuild their lives.
- Women’s Empowerment understands that homelessness is not just about lacking a place to live—it is about lacking opportunities. By offering job training, mentorship, and support services, they equip women with the tools to achieve long-term stability.
- Saint John’s Program for Real Change takes a holistic approach, providing women with mental health care, career training, and childcare services, ensuring that both mothers and their children have access to a brighter future.
These organizations are proof that change happens when women are given the support and resources they need to reclaim their lives.
At Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), we work specifically with women who have been commercially sexually exploited—women who have been told they have no way out, no voice, and no future beyond their trauma. We refuse to accept that narrative. Our survivor-led, trauma-informed programs provide:
- Peer support, where women who have walked the same path provide mentorship, guidance, and encouragement.
- Harm reduction and health services, ensuring access to trauma-informed healthcare, safety planning, and risk reduction strategies.
- Pathways to stability, including housing assistance, employment support, and skill-building programs to help women create new futures.
We know that exploitation is not a choice—it is often the result of systemic failures that leave women with no other options. That is why our work goes beyond crisis intervention—it is about helping women regain control over their lives, rebuild their confidence, and step into a future they define for themselves.
Women’s History Month is a reminder that progress is never passive—it happens because people demand it, fight for it, and commit to it. The women who have changed history did not wait for permission. Sojourner Truth stood against oppression, fighting for both racial and gender equality at a time when neither was seen as a priority. Ruth Bader Ginsburg reshaped the legal system, ensuring that gender discrimination was not just acknowledged but actively challenged. Malala Yousafzai risked her life to advocate for girls’ education, proving that one voice—even a young one—can spark a movement. Katherine Johnson defied expectations in STEM, using her brilliance in mathematics to help send astronauts into space.
Their stories, and countless others, remind us that change is possible when we refuse to accept the status quo. This Women’s History Month, we must ask ourselves: how will we contribute to the next chapter of progress? Will we support organizations fighting for women’s safety and equality? Will we challenge policies that perpetuate harm? Will we amplify the voices of survivors and ensure they are heard?
Celebrating women is more than recognizing history—it is about shaping the future. It is about committing to a world where every woman, regardless of her past, has the opportunity to build a life of dignity, safety, and freedom. The power to create that future is in our hands. Let’s make it happen.