Advocacy & Social Justice

WRJ has been deeply involved in addressing the gender pay gap internally in the Reform Movement and its institutions and will continue working on this issue both internally and externally. On average, women working full time in the United States are paid just 80 percent of what men in comparable positions are paid. Women of color make even less.

WRJ monitors and addresses sexual harassment and assault, domestic violence, date rape and campus violence, spousal and child abuse, trafficking, and the use of firearms when committing acts of domestic violence.

In Judaism, life is sacred. Banning potentially lifesaving medical procedures and interfering with a doctor’s decision-making runs contrary to the Jewish commandment to protect life. WRJ is a leading advocate for reproductive rights and health and continues to oppose state and federal restrictions that limit access to birth control and safe abortion services.

WRJ is committed to doing the essential work of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) within WRJ, in our Movement, and in our Jewish, local and national communities, in ourselves working with partners in the greater community. WRJ understands DEI and Racial Justice work to be continuing the work of ongoing improvement by educating ourselves and bending the arc of history toward justice, inclusion, and belonging.

Today, we face the enormous challenges posed by our nation's broken immigration system. We can no longer delay its reform. From finding a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and TPS holders to seeking asylum and much more, WRJ stands up for the immigrant as a core part of Jewish tradition.

Since WRJ was established, our women have been deeply engaged in issues of international importance, including supporting peace efforts through international bodies, promoting human rights, and advocacy around global health and international development initiatives.