10,000 women are expected to gather in Philadelphia for the Women’s Conference

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The Pennsylvania Women’s Conference will be held in Philadelphia two days after the next U.S. president is elected.

Thousands of women are expected to attend the conference in November, which will examine and celebrate the obstacles and triumphs women face. Organizers of the nonpartisan event said they hope to unite attendees under this year’s theme of “Strength in Unity.” They also said many hopeful attendees are focused on the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Board member and Philadelphia native Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake said she hopes the debate will address issues related to women’s concerns.

“We’ve had conferences with up to 10,000 women, 5,000 women, all of whom were publicly and politically engaged with what was happening and very concerned about what was happening,” she said.

Marshall-Blake added that because the conference is taking place just two days after the presidential election, the likelihood of Vice President Harris becoming the first female president would be high.

“If and when she becomes president, it’s all about advancing women. Look at the city of Philadelphia, where Mayor Cherelle Parker was elected the first black woman to serve as mayor… I think it’s her season. I think it’s her time,” Marshall-Blake said. “When I go back to Pennsylvania for a conference, it’s all about advancing women, not just in the workplace but outside of it. The White House, in my opinion, is beyond that.”

Conference organizers plan to address topics including reproductive rights, equal pay, mental health, and professional and personal development.

Marshall-Blake grew up in West Philly and has been a member since the event began more than 20 years ago. She said that as a Black woman, professional, and pastor, it’s important to highlight not only the struggles women face, but also the additional pressures Black women face every day.

“It’s hard for women right now. I think we might even see the attacks that Kamala Harris is facing in terms of her sexual partners,” said Marshall-Blake, who shared that she has experienced some of the same criticism as Harris. “And, you know, her appearance. It’s hard for women to talk about that, about why it’s important for women to come together to discuss some of these issues that affect us, that hurt women, especially Black women.

“And, you know, we’re often referred to as angry black women. Okay. And it’s not that we’re angry, it’s that we’re determined. We’re intentional. There were no breaks. People might say, ‘Oh, you get all the breaks,’ but we don’t. You still deal with sexism and racism.”

Keynote speakers at the conference included Joyce Abbott of Philadelphia, for whom the program “Abbott Elementary” is named, and the show’s star, Emmy Award-winning Sheryl Lee Ralph. Abbott, a former teacher and Gulf War veteran, said she hopes to help bring peace and understanding regardless of the election outcome.

“We all share experiences in this world and in our lives, and just offer and maybe overcome obstacles and just lessons in life,” Abbott said. “Sharing experiences, because often listening to other people, sometimes can give you strength.”