OPINION: Celebrate 20 years of women's law center with us

Twenty years ago, the Southwest Women’s Law Center was founded with the intention of creating a dedicated space where women+ in our community could find legal support and a voice. Our founders believed that every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to justice. As we prepare to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we reflect on the lives we’ve touched, the policy work we have accomplished and the enduring challenges that remind us our work is far from over.

Over the past two decades, we have grown and developed alongside the needs of our community. We have adapted to the needs of our communities and catered our services to each new generation of challenges. We have advocated for a broad range of justices including employment rights like paid family medical leave and transparency around crisis pregnancy centers. We have always stood by the importance of creating the opportunity for women+ to realize their full economic and personal potential.

Our work is a testament to the power of collective action and resilience. The stories of our clients serve as a constant inspiration and reminder to keep doing the work. They remind us that behind every injustice is a person with the right to a safer, more equitable life. These stories fuel our determination to combat inequality and bad policy and reinforce our belief that justice is a fundamental right for all.

As we step into our next 20 years, we recognize that the work we do is an ongoing journey. New challenges emerge far more often than we would like but the resilience of our community proves stronger than any challenge thrown at us.

This milestone is a time for celebration and reflection, but it is also a call to action. We invite you to join us in the vital work of SWLC. We ask that you take the time to learn about the injustices impacting women in our community and consider donating your time and/or money to a great cause. Our 20-year journey is a testament to what is possible when we work together as a community with a cause. Here’s to the next 20 years of advocating for a better future for all.

SWLC will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of our organization on Friday, Sept. 26. The event will be held at the Albuquerque Museum starting at 4:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at swwomenslaw.org.

Terrelene Massey is the executive director of Southwest Women’s Law Center.