Ohio Women's Alliance

When it comes to birth, it takes a village—and two of the most powerful members of that village are midwives and doulas. Both play vital parts in creating a supportive and safe birth experience, and together, they make an unstoppable team—ensuring that mothers and birthing people feel supported, confident, and heard, especially in Black and Brown communities where advocacy and support are essential. #BlackMaternalHealth #BlackMamasMatter #UpliftBlackMothers #BMHW2025 #BirthJustice #BirthEquity Sources: https://lnkd.in/gJEhnHbC. https://lnkd.in/giWjhywX https://lnkd.in/gYA9iUd5 https://lnkd.in/gDuF9UZ

Happy Black Maternal Health Week! Today, we’re focusing on uplifting all the amazing Black Mamas*! Share your favorite affirmations on your story and tag 5 Black Mamas* below to spread love and positivity! We’re celebrating all week, so stay tuned for what we have coming in the days ahead! #BlackMaternalHealth #BlackMamasMatter #UpliftBlackMothers #BMHW2025 *the term “mamas” includes any and all birthing people

Black mothers* deserve more than survival—they deserve to thrive. ✨ This Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), stay tuned to upcoming content we have centered around uplifting the voices, experiences, and resilience of Black birthing people—while demanding the anti-oppressive and anti-care they deserve! * The term “mothers” includes any and all Black birthing people* 🌸 #BlackMaternalHealth #BlackMamasMatter #UpliftBlackMothers #BMHW2025 #BirthJustice #BirthEquity #BlackMaternalHealthWeek

Black Women deserve to live long, healthy lives and early detection is key to make sure that happens! 👩🏾⚕️ Your health matters and your life matters! Be sure to get screened and tag three friends in the comments to encourage them to do the same. ✨

Last Wednesday, our team had the incredible honor of joining our Executive Director, Rhiannon Carnes, at the 40th YWCA Women of Achievement Luncheon. 🌟 Our fearless leader made history as the first woman ever to be recognized as both a Woman On The Rise and now a Woman of Achievement! 🎉We couldn’t be more proud of her vision, leadership, and commitment to Reproductive Justice! Under her guidance, we’ve become the ONLY Black state-led Reproductive organization. Join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition—drop some love for her in the comments!

Monday, April 7 is the voter registration deadline! Visit this link https://lnkd.in/eVFxf4k to register or make sure your address is up-to-date! 

On Sunday, OWA Staff Lena and Myia traveled to Cleveland to attend a brunch hosted by our partners New Voices for Reproductive Justice. During their time, they enjoyed great food, meaningful fellowship, and being a part of the conversation about New Voices’ new rebrand and upcoming curriculum coming to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. We are so grateful for our continued partnership, and we’re excited for all that lies ahead!

Yesterday, Ohio Women's Alliance Founder & Executive Director Rhiannon Carnes was honored as a 2025 Woman of Achievement by YWCA Columbus! Hundreds gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025, including Rhiannon’s family, OWA Staff and Board Members, and previous Women of Achievement who welcomed this year’s class into this esteemed academy of women who have made an indelible impact by working to build a better Ohio for all. Rhiannon received her medal from Woman of Achievement Cathe Kobacker—founder of Kobacker House—who was instrumental in supporting Rhiannon as her mother, Faye Childs, transitioned to hospice care before passing in 2021. The occasion was a full circle moment as Rhiannon continues to carry on her mother’s legacy through her work to bring the mission of OWA to life today and for many years to come. Swipe to read Rhiannon’s remarks and visit our blog to view the full video of her speech! https://lnkd.in/gmFV6Pjx

Last Wednesday, we hosted a happy hour for our Member Assitance Program (MAP) volunteers to show them how much we appreciate them! Everyone who joined was able to enjoy: ✨Repro-inspired coloring sheets inspired by Pro-Reproductive Rights) ✨A book swap of banned books focused on Politics and Reproductive Rights ✨Connecting with others passionate about abortion care access A special thank you to Thunderwing Brewing for allowing us to use their space, Next Chapter Bookshop for donating a wellness box to our raffle, and all the amazing people who made the event one to remember!

April is National Minority Health Month—which was created to raise awareness of the importance of improving the health of Black and Brown communities. This month is crucial to Reproductive Justice because it: 🩷Focuses on addressing health disparities, such as the Black maternal mortality rates, and state abortion bans that negatively impact Reproductive health. 🩷Addresses systemic issues such as poverty, racism, and lack of access to resources that impact reproductive health outcomes. 🩷Encourages people to use their platform to advocate for policies that promote reproductive freedom and access to anti-oppressive and anti-racist health care. Together we can make a difference by continuing the fight for Black and Brown communities to have access and resources to make informed decisions about their health and bodies!