The convention falls on the 45th anniversary of the first-ever federally funded national women’s conference held in Houston decades ago.
HOUSTON — The 2022 Women’s Convention kicked off its first day at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Friday.
The convention falls on the 45th anniversary of the first-ever federally funded national women’s conference held in Houston decades ago.
Women’s March executive director Rachel O’Leary Carmona says they hope to re-mobilize the moment.
“In 1977, there was a federally funded effort to organize a women’s convention where delegates were chosen and a political platform emerged. Since then, only the Women’s March has scheduled conventions, but it’s something different,” Carmona said.
More than 4,000 people are expected to attend the convention in person and online.
Carmona says the convention is a collaboration of several women’s rights groups.
“What we’re trying to do is really dig into our movement. We’ve been doing it big for a long time and now we’re really trying to go deep and grow and bring our community together,” he said. she declared.
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The event occurs after the Supreme Court overturns Roe. against Wade, overturning a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion.
Ciran Rhodes, a convention attendee, says this is a time when she hopes to regain a sense of power.
“Just being surrounded by people who are enthusiastic, active and willing to do something to make sure our rights are protected is invigorating and exciting,” she said.
Carmona says the three-day convention features a widespread program on women’s rights.
“There are issues around reproductive health rights and justice, climate, immigration, organizing the history of feminism and the future of feminism,” he said. she stated.
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Carmona says they specifically wanted to bring the event back to Houston to empower those who might feel like all is lost.
“We are here to bring the fight into the belly of the beast, making sure to build power with the communities most affected and prepare for the long-term fight,” she said.
The convention runs until Sunday.
