Women’s Issues

Empowering, Protecting, and Valuing Women at Every Stage of Life

Women’s issues are central to the mission of First Rights Global, which envisions a world where every woman is empowered, supported, and respected throughout her life. Our commitment to women’s rights involves a holistic approach that addresses gender equality, healthcare, reproductive ethics, and family support. We aim to build communities where women can flourish without facing discrimination, violence, or exploitation. Recognizing the inherent dignity of each woman, we work to protect her rights, support her health, and promote her family life within a culture that affirms her intrinsic value and contributions.
 
In the United States, women continue to encounter significant challenges in areas like workplace equality, affordable healthcare access, and protection from gender-based violence. For example, women still earn only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and systemic obstacles prevent many women—especially those in low-income communities—from obtaining essential healthcare services. Globally, women often face even harsher realities: over 200 million women and girls worldwide have endured female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage remains prevalent in many regions, curtailing young girls’ education, health, and freedom.
 
The First Rights Global Women’s Issues framework focuses on policies that promote equality, protect women’s health, and prevent exploitation. This includes advocating for equal economic opportunities, affordable and comprehensive maternal healthcare, protection from violence, and life-respecting reproductive support. Through policy initiatives, educational outreach, and partnerships with local and international organizations, we strive to create a society where women can live safely, pursue their goals, and contribute fully to their families and communities. Addressing these issues on a national and global level, First Rights Global collaborates with organizations that champion women’s rights to ensure women everywhere are valued and protected.

Economic Equality & Workplace Rights

Achieving economic equality and workplace rights is essential to women’s empowerment and independence. In the U.S., women earn on average only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, with women of color facing even wider disparities. First Rights Global advocates for policies that enforce equal pay laws, promote salary transparency, and offer paid family leave to support working women. Wage transparency laws in countries like Iceland have narrowed the gender pay gap significantly, setting a powerful precedent for effective policy change. By promoting economic equality and workplace rights, we aim to remove barriers that limit women’s professional advancement and financial independence, ultimately fostering more equitable workplaces for future generations.

Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare Access

Access to quality, affordable healthcare is a fundamental right that supports women’s physical, mental, and reproductive health across all life stages. Yet many women, especially those in underserved areas, face barriers to essential care, including prenatal services, mental health support, and preventive screenings. First Rights Global advocates for policies that expand women’s healthcare access, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. Inspired by France’s comprehensive healthcare model, which prioritizes women’s health needs throughout their lives, we work to close healthcare gaps and ensure that all women receive the quality care they deserve. Our efforts focus on making healthcare affordable and accessible so women can maintain optimal health and well-being.

Ending Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence—such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking—affects millions of women worldwide, with nearly 1 in 4 U.S. women experiencing severe intimate partner violence. First Rights Global supports stronger legal protections, increased funding for shelters and resources for survivors, and mandatory education on gender violence prevention in schools. We are inspired by Spain’s comprehensive anti-gender violence laws, which combine legal measures with support services for survivors. Protecting women from violence is critical to ensuring their safety, autonomy, and ability to lead fulfilling lives. By advocating for protective legislation and awareness programs, we aim to reduce violence against women and foster safer communities.

Support for Fertility & Family-Building

Many women encounter obstacles in family-building due to infertility, adoption barriers, or financial limitations. First Rights Global advocates for supportive fertility assistance, ethical IVF practices, and affordable adoption policies. Countries like Israel, which subsidizes IVF treatments for citizens, demonstrate how policies can help women achieve their family goals without undue financial strain. Our approach emphasizes a life-respecting model that supports women with resources, education, and options to overcome systemic barriers to motherhood. By promoting supportive family-building policies, we empower women to pursue their dreams of family in a compassionate and ethical framework.

Maternity & Parental Support Programs

Maternity and parental support are essential for the well-being of both women and their families. First Rights Global advocates for paid maternity leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work policies that allow parents to balance career and family life. We support the FAMILY Act in the U.S., which would provide up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to help parents manage the early stages of parenthood. Nations like Sweden have demonstrated how robust parental leave policies benefit families and strengthen societies. By championing maternity support, we promote policies that respect family life, ensure economic stability, and allow women to thrive in their roles as mothers and professionals.

Combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) affects over 200 million women and girls worldwide, often resulting in severe physical and psychological harm. First Rights Global supports legislative efforts to ban FGM and works with international organizations to educate communities on its harmful effects. We look to Kenya’s strict anti-FGM laws as a model for protecting young girls from this harmful practice. Our goal is to eliminate FGM by promoting awareness and legislative reform, ensuring girls grow up in safe environments where they are valued and protected from such violence. Ending FGM affirms the dignity and rights of every girl and woman.

Reproductive Health & Ethical Boundaries

Reproductive health requires an ethical approach that respects both women and unborn life. First Rights Global advocates for alternatives to abortion, such as pregnancy resource centers, prenatal support, and adoption assistance. Inspired by Poland’s comprehensive support network for women facing unplanned pregnancies, we work to create systems that respect life while providing women with compassionate care. Our approach ensures that women have resources and options, fostering a society where life is valued and supported through ethical practices.

Legal Protections for Women’s Property & Financial Rights

Financial and property rights are essential for women’s independence and security, enabling them to build stable lives free from discrimination. Historically, legal restrictions limited women’s rights to property ownership and financial transactions, a challenge that persists in some regions. First Rights Global supports policies that ensure women have equal rights to property, inheritance, and access to credit, both domestically and globally. By promoting these protections, we recognize that financial independence is foundational to women’s empowerment and societal stability.

Education Access & Empowerment Programs for Girls

Education is a powerful tool for empowering women and strengthening communities, yet over 130 million girls worldwide are out of school due to poverty, early marriage, and cultural barriers. First Rights Global advocates for education policies that prioritize access for girls, especially secondary education, which is crucial for long-term opportunities. Malawi’s scholarship programs for girls illustrate how education can transform lives, empowering young women to break cycles of poverty and build resilient futures. By promoting girls’ education, we invest in healthier communities and stronger family foundations.

Support for Women in Humanitarian & Conflict Zones

Women in conflict zones face extreme risks, including sexual violence, displacement, and limited access to healthcare. First Rights Global collaborates with international organizations to provide targeted relief and support for women in these vulnerable settings. Sweden’s humanitarian policies for protecting women in crisis areas serve as models for ensuring safety and dignity during displacement. Our commitment to women’s safety in these challenging circumstances reflects a global vision for women’s rights, aiming to protect and empower women, even amid crises.