Economic Justice for Women

Built-in inequities in the present economic system discriminate against women and their dependents at every level of income. Poverty in North America falls disproportionately upon women. For example, women in the United States who comprise 43% of the labor force and are the sole supporters of more than nine million families have suffered discrimination and economic disadvantage.

Present proposed legislation addresses such areas as insurance, pension reform, social security (including earning sharing), tax issues, lifeline service, child care, day care and family assistance, regulatory reform, and the enforcement of child-support requirements.

Furthermore , specific reforms will be proposed to redress existing inequities. In considering the endorsement of such legislation, the principle of supporting antidiscrimination legislation for economic equity for women should control.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Union of American Hebrew Congregations:

  1. Supports the ERA and legislation incorporating principles of economic equity for women;
  2. Endorses the efforts to correct current discriminatory practices in private industry and government, both in their regulations and as employers;
  3. Examines its practices and calls upon the UAHC and individual congregations to eliminate any sex discrimination and apply the principle of economic equity for all; and
  4. Calls upon our congregants in their individual or corporate relationships to likewise eliminate any such discriminatory practices.