Nonprofit Spotlight: Indigenous Women Rising
Indigenous Women Rising is a New Mexico based organization that focuses on sexual and reproductive health for Indigenous women. They address all aspects of reproductive wellness, from Indigenous-centered sexual education, to access to forms of contraceptives, breast feeding to abortion support. With disproportionate amounts of domestic violence and sexual assault faced by Indigenous women, this organization has created a space for Indigenous people to reclaim the stories of resilience, love, identity, culture, tradition and language. Making space every day for wholesome health in the face of a violent, colonial system.
I spoke with Rachael Lorenzo about their story behind the movement, where their passion came from, and how Indigenous Women Rising was born.
How did you get started in this work?
My personal experiences with IHS, abortion, birth control, and eventually the birth of my daughter made me realize how prevalent the stigma against abortion, and surrounding reproduce justice, is in our communities. Our ancestors knew not every season was a season for childbirth, whether it was due to famine or personal choice, and had traditional methods to perform abortions. Our right to plan a family did not begin with Roe v Wade and won’t be influenced by IHS regulations. I realized it was up to us to provide our women with shame-free access to care.
What kind of support does Indigenous Women Rising provide?
Right now, we focus predominantly on our Abortion Fund, the fund is available for any Indigenous women in the US or Canada who are seeking an abortion, whether it is help with medical care, help with transportation to or from the medical facility, or support with childcare during the procedure. Indigenous women face additional barriers to care, this fund aims to support women receive the care they need regardless of cost.
We also support Native Sex Education, breast feeding support, and birth justice. Eventually we hope to have doulas available to all parents who choose to have them included in their birthing plan.
Can you explain a bit more about what it means to decolonize sex education?
I wouldn’t call it decolonizing – we are Indigenizing sex education. Colonialism has stripped us of our language and culture; by reintroducing these into the classroom we reclaim our traditional understanding of consent, sensuality, and sexual identity.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Honestly it is the thanks we receive from women we have supported through our abortion fund. Knowing we have made a difference makes it all worth it.
How can people support your organization?
We are proud to be a completely Indigenous run organization, but we are always happy to have allies support our work! The best way anyone can contribute is by supporting our abortion fund, we have merchandise that supports our work, and spreading the word on facebook and Instagram helps too!