Winona City & County Human Rights Commission

03/27/2026

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we take time to reflect, celebrate, and recommit.

The Winona Human Rights Commission honors the countless women—past and present—who have shaped our communities, broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. Their contributions remind us that progress is possible when courage meets action.

But the work doesn’t end here.

Gender equity, opportunity, and respect are not limited to one month. They are goals we must continue striving toward every day—through advocacy, allyship, and community support.

Let this be a moment not just of reflection, but of renewed commitment.

💬 How will you continue to uplift and support women beyond this month?

03/25/2026

Supporting women means ensuring access to resources, safety, opportunity, and community. In Winona, there are organizations working every day to uplift and empower women—and they need our support and awareness.

The Winona Human Rights Commission encourages you to explore and share these local resources:

💜 Winona Volunteer Services – Offers emergency assistance, housing support, food access, and connections to critical services for individuals and families in need

💜 Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota – Provides emergency shelter and warming centers in Winona for those experiencing homelessness

💜 Women in Business Incorporated – Supports women’s leadership, networking, and economic empowerment in our community

💜 League of Women Voters of Minnesota – Promotes civic engagement, education, and advocacy for women and communities

💜 United Way 211 – Connects individuals to local services including housing, healthcare, childcare, and more—available 24/7

💜 Advocacy Center of Winona – Provides support, advocacy, and resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence, s*xual assault, and abuse

When we share resources, we strengthen our community. When we support women, we build a more equitable future for everyone.

📣 Know a resource we should highlight? Share it below.

03/23/2026

Advocating for gender equality means showing up—every day, in every space.

The Winona Human Rights Commission believes that true equity is built through consistent action, not just conversation. It’s about speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, supporting fair opportunities, and ensuring every voice is heard and respected.

You can advocate by:
• Calling out inequity and bias
• Supporting inclusive policies and leadership
• Amplifying underrepresented voices
• Modeling respect in your workplace, home, and community

Progress happens when we all take responsibility. Gender equality isn’t someone else’s issue—it’s all of ours.

💬 What’s one way you’ll advocate for equality today?

03/21/2026

Today, we recognize the importance of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination — a time to reflect, learn, and take action.

Racial discrimination continues to impact individuals, families, and communities in ways both visible and unseen. But change starts with each of us. By listening, speaking up, and challenging injustice where we see it, we can help build a more equitable and inclusive world.

Let today be more than a moment—let it be a commitment:
✨ To educate ourselves and others
✨ To amplify marginalized voices
✨ To stand firmly against racism in all its forms

Together, we can create a community where everyone is valued, respected, and safe.

03/20/2026

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers, sisters, neighbors and friends. We are sending you thoughts of prosperity for Eid and forever. ☪️

03/20/2026

03/20/2026

The Winona Human Rights Commission encourages our community to move beyond awareness and into action when it comes to gender equity.

Allyship isn’t a label—it’s a practice. It means:
• Listening to and uplifting diverse voices
• Challenging bias and discrimination when we see it
• Supporting policies and workplaces that promote fairness
• Creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued

Gender equity is not a moment—it’s a commitment we make year-round. Together, we can build a community where opportunity and respect are not limited by gender.

💬 How are you showing up as an ally today?

03/18/2026

Strong communities start by empowering the next generation. 💜

This Women’s History Month, highlight the importance of encouraging leadership development in girls and young women. When young women are supported in building confidence, developing their voices, and learning leadership skills, they gain the tools to advocate for themselves and create positive change in their communities.

Leadership opportunities — whether in schools, community programs, mentorship, or civic engagement — help girls discover their strengths and see themselves as future leaders. Investing in young women today helps build a more equitable and inclusive tomorrow.

Let’s continue creating spaces where girls are encouraged to speak up, lead, and pursue their goals with confidence.

03/16/2026

Barriers to equality still exist — and many women continue to face them every day.

This Women’s History Month, we all must recognize the ongoing challenges women experience, including s*xism, harassment, violence, and discrimination. While progress has been made, true equality has not yet been achieved.

Women — especially women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and immigrant women — often experience multiple and overlapping barriers that affect safety, opportunity, and fairness in workplaces, schools, healthcare, and communities.

Acknowledging these challenges is an important step toward change. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, advocating for fair policies, and standing up against discrimination, we can continue breaking down barriers and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Together, we can move closer to a future where equality is not just an ideal, but a reality for all women.

03/13/2026

Every day, women in our community are making a difference. 💜

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate everyday women who strengthen our community through their leadership, compassion, and dedication. From educators and caregivers to first responders, community volunteers, healthcare workers, and advocates — women play vital roles in building a more just and caring society.

Many of the most powerful acts of leadership happen quietly: mentoring a young person, supporting a neighbor, organizing community resources, or standing up for fairness and dignity. These everyday contributions create lasting change and help make Winona a more inclusive place for everyone.

Today, we honor the women who inspire, uplift, and empower their communities — not just in history books, but right here in our daily lives.

Tag a woman in your life who is making a difference in the community. 👇

03/11/2026

Every woman deserves access to quality healthcare, the ability to make decisions about her own body, and the right to live free from violence, harassment, and discrimination.

Health equity means ensuring that all women — including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and those in rural communities — can access safe, respectful, and affordable care. Safety also means having protections and resources when facing domestic violence, harassment, or threats to personal wellbeing.

When women have the freedom to care for their health and live safely, our entire community becomes stronger and more equitable.

If you or someone you know needs support:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
📞 Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline: 1-866-223-1111
🌐 dayoneservices.org connects people in Minnesota to local domestic violence and s*xual assault resources.

Together, we can build a community where health, dignity, and safety are protected for all.

03/09/2026

This Women’s History Month, the Winona Human Rights Commission is spotlighting Workplace Equity for Women - because everyone deserves fair pay and dignity at work. 💼💜

Women in Minnesota still often earn less than their male counterparts for the same work, and pay inequities can be even wider for women of color. Minnesota’s laws, including protections under the Minnesota Human Rights Act and equal pay statutes, are designed to ensure equal pay for equal work and to prohibit discrimination based on gender and other identities.

If you feel you’ve experienced pay discrimination, unfair treatment, or workplace bias, here are some resources that can help you understand your rights and take action:

📌 Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) — File a discrimination complaint or learn about your rights under state law: hotline at 651-539-1100 or toll-free 1-800-657-3704, or start a report on their website.
Website: https://mn.gov/mdhr/

📌 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — Federal agency that enforces federal anti-discrimination laws including equal pay and gender bias. You can file a charge independently of MDHR.
Website: https://www.eeoc.gov/

📌 Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Learn about pay, wage standards, and protections against retaliation when reporting workplace concerns.
Website: https://www.dli.mn.gov/

You don’t have to navigate this alone! There are protections and supports in place to ensure workplace fairness and pay equity for all women in Minnesota. 📣💪