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Abstract:
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In the spring of 2007 , the Women’s Foundation of California and the California Endowment created what would become the Elder Women’s Initiative , (EWI ) which focuses on building a social movement for elder women and their allies with specific attention to healthcare and economic security . This study is largely descriptive and focuses on how state and non -state actors participated in the Elder Women’s Initiative . I looked at ways in which their unique roles can shape the scope of the movement and in what capacity the notion of advocacy is defined . I used feminist and social movements theory to frame my study . The data collection was multi -phased : the first was interviews with state leaders at the policy and community -based level , and the second was “Speak -Outs” or community listening sessions in three geographic areas in California . During the Speak -Outs , which recruited elder women and their allies from low -income communities in California , the women were able to testify about their experiences with the aging process . They also spoke with policymakers about how to collaborate in building the movement .
While the Elder Women’s Initiative raised more questions than it answered , participants identified several concrete recommendations were identified about how to build the movement . The current political landscape in California is fraught with tension over the recent budget crises . It is important for future researchers to examine the ways in which the EWI fits into the policy process and how women across California can experience dignified and healthy aging . |