Movements for women’s equality and opportunity reach throughout history, culminating in this country with the women’s suffrage movement, which marked its own beginnings with the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights event in U.S. history. Today, groups throughout Colorado continue to carry the banner for equality and empowerment:

Colorado Black Women for Political Action
In 1977, former State Senator Gloria Tanner inspired 13 women to come together to encourage African American participation in the political process and to advocate for the Black community. Led today by campaign strategist Blanka Emerson, the non-partisan organization offers Politics 101 sessions throughout the year and led a campaign called “Girl Get Your Vote On” during the 2024 election.

Women’s Foundation of Colorado
Founded in 1987 to further economic opportunities for women, Women’s Foundation of Colorado focuses on gender, racial and economic equality. WFC has published research on gender equity in STEM fields, the impact of an increased minimum wage on women in Colorado, and the affordability of childcare in Colorado. It also gives no-strings grants, believing that people make the best decisions for themselves when given the freedom to do so.

Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
In 2024, this Latina women’s group advocated for housing justice, health care access, reproductive rights and gender-affirming care. It operates the Latinas Increasing Political Strength mentorship program, training young Latinas “to promote the advancement of the Latinx community and advocate for reproductive justice issues.” In 2021, the group launched the Spanish-language radio program, “Mujeres de COLOR,” which airs at 9am Tuesdays on 1150 AM/96.1 FM.

The Junior League of Denver
Founded in 1918, the Junior League is a women’s service organization with a current mission to disrupt cycles of poverty. Current programs include policy and advocacy; volunteer opportunities; grantmaking, and The Gathering Place, a daytime drop-in center that serves women, children and transgender people experiencing poverty or homelessness.

Women’s Lobby of Colorado
Among the corporate consortiums lobbying lawmakers is an all-volunteer force activated to guide state lawmakers toward workplace equity. Among the group’s 2023 successes: the Job Application Fairness Act, which prohibits employers from asking about age or dates of graduation; Informed Consent to Intimate Patient Examination; and SB23-190, which prohibits pregnancy centers from advertising medical and abortion services when they do not provide them.

9 to 5 Colorado
9 to 5, a national organization, was formed in 1973 in response to harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The Colorado group, one of only three state chapters, started in 1996 by providing sexual harassment awareness training to low-income women in Denver. The organization was involved in the 2020 passing of FAMLI, a paid medical leave insurance program. In 2023, 9 to 5, along with other women’s lobbying groups, pushed successfully for the Ensure Equal Work for Equal Pay bill.

Women’s Foundation of Colorado
This statewide community foundation, formed in 1987, has released more than 30 research reports, worked to pass legislation, and granted $23 million to organizations throughout Colorado that share its mission — to further economic opportunities for women and families. It has since expanded its focus to include racial equity.

Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities (CHIC)
CHIC states as its mission the goal of strengthening families by strengthening women and girls. One of its most distinctive programs is Enter to Thrive, a re-entry program providing mentorship and case management to women and girls emerging from violence or the criminal justice system. It also offers ESPA, a pre-apprentice program focused on giving women the skills and support they need to advance in the workforce.