By Jackie Fetbroyt, Voorhees Twp. Committee
March is Women’s History Month! Thanks to Mayor Mike for allowing me to take over his column in honor of this month – a time to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women and to reflect on the ongoing journey toward gender equality. From securing the right to vote to breaking glass ceilings in every field, women have made remarkable progress. However, in the face of present and persistent challenges, it is clear that the work is far from done. As a local committeewoman and an advocate for equity, I’m especially concerned about the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and how we can ensure women’s rights remain a priority in our communities – local and large.
Our history is rich with stories of women who defied barriers to create change. From trailblazing suffragists to the unsung heroines of our local community, their accomplishments inspire us. Today, women are leading businesses, advancing science, and championing social change. Yet, progress is uneven, and many barriers still remain—especially for women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities. This month reminds us to honor the past while forging a path to a more equitable future. Despite decades of progress, women continue to face systemic challenges:
• Women earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar a man earns, with an even wider gap for women of color.
• Access to affordable healthcare, childcare, and workplace protections remains inadequate for many.
• Invisible labor, child rearing, and home management rests primarily on women.
• Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.
• Women are the vast majority of victims of gender-based violence.
These issues intersect deeply with DEI initiatives, underscoring the need to prioritize inclusive policies and practices that uplift all women. I would be remiss, however, to ignore the criticism that these efforts can sometimes disproportionately benefit White women, highlighting the need to examine how we can ensure DEI efforts are truly intersectional.
Progress begins with local action. Here are several steps our community can take to make a tangible impact:
1. Educational Campaigns: Host events that highlight gender equity and celebrate women’s contributions to society. Invite local leaders and advocates to speak about actionable change.
2. Support Local Women-Owned Businesses: Organize campaigns to promote and patronize women entrepreneurs. A directory of women-owned businesses could help raise visibility.
3. Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Partner with schools, colleges, and community organizations to provide mentorship opportunities for young women pursuing education and careers.
4. Community Networks: Create safe spaces for women to connect, share resources, and build support networks, whether through social groups, workshops, or online forums.
5. Recognizing Achievements: Dedicate public spaces, monuments, or events to celebrate the accomplishments of women in our community.
6. Advocate for Intersectional Policies: Demand that progress be tracked and, in particular, use disaggregated data to understand the equitable impact (or lack thereof) on all groups.
7. Engage: Share your concerns and ideas with your local officials (including me!).
A strong commitment to DEI is essential to advancing women’s rights. This includes holding organizations and institutions accountable for measurable progress in hiring, promoting, and supporting women. Our community must also ensure DEI efforts address intersectional challenges, amplifying the voices of the most marginalized.
This Women’s History Month must be more than a commemoration; it is a call to action. As a community, we have the power to champion change by standing together, taking meaningful steps, and holding ourselves accountable. Let this month inspire us to not only reflect on the achievements of the past but also commit to building a more equitable and inclusive future—for women, for everyone.
** The Cultural Diversity Expo sponsored by the Cultural Diversity Committee in conjunction with the Eastern High School Cultural & Diversity Club will be held on Thursday, March 27 from 4:30-8pm.at Eastern High School. There will be food vendors, music and more. For more information, contact Eva Nguyen evanguyen2026@eccrsd.us
** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting its Annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12 at 10am. The rain date is April 19. For more information, contact Roger Leonard at 856-627-2600 x427
** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting an Art Show Display of the works of special needs children from Voorhees schools and Kingsway Learning Center on April 12 at 10am at Kingsway Learning Center, 1000 Voorhees Drive. Admission is free. For more information, contact Roger Leonard at 856-627-2600 x427
** Voorhees Township’s Annual Free Rabies Clinic will be held on May 3 from 9am-12pm at the Lions Lake Complex. For more information, contact the Township Clerk’s Office at (856)429-7757 or email pets@voorheesnj.com
** The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a spay/neuter clinic for feral cats in Voorhees throughout the entire year. The initiative is part of the Alley Cat Rescue’s Global Feral Fix Challenge, reinforcing AWA’s commitment to humane solutions for community cats. For more information, visit www.awanj.org or contact Jaime Moore jaimem@awanj.org
** Poll workers are needed – serve your community on Election Day! You need to be a registered voter living in Camden County, have transportation, want to help your neighbors vote, and be
ready to get paid $300 for your service. Training will be provided. For more information, call 856-401-8683.
