At Women’s Democracy Lab we envision a world liberated, where we can live safely as our whole and authentic selves, grounded in our unique histories, identities, and stories.
But our democracy today is rooted in white supremacy – designed to exclude Indigenous women and women of color. This makes political representation difficult to attain or completely inaccessible and influences how we are perceived and treated when elected. Moreover, the minimal support we receive when we run for office often evaporates after we’re elected.
That’s why our vision is to radically re-imagine what leadership looks like and to ensure Indigenous women and women of color can thrive in elected office. Our mission is to build a community of belonging for elected Indigenous women and women of color where together we create solutions to tackle specific structural barriers such as the racial wealth gap, gendered harassment and hate, patronage, elitism, and the persistent glass ceilings.
Collectively, these components allow us to provide a safe harbor for us to create shared power, decolonize the political process, and deconstruct a white supremacy mindset. When Indigenous women and women of color are centered as full, authentic leaders in our political process and systems, liberation is possible.
As an organization both led by and exclusively serving Indigenous women and women of color, our shared lived experiences uniquely position us to build this bold vision for our democracy. To tear down systemic white supremacy, to rebuild our institutions in an inclusive and equitable model, and to reach the dream of liberation, we must elect, protect, and support Indigenous women and women of color. Women’s Democracy Lab is doing just that.
