A Senate resolution honoring the courageous founders, leaders, and legacy of the Women's Association of Hmong and Lao, Inc. for advancing the rights, status, and empowerment of Hmong women and girls in Minnesota

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Foung Hawj

Recognizes WAHL’s decades of empowering Hmong women and girls in Minnesota through leadership, services, and advocacy, highlighting its lasting impact on equity and culture.

Referred to Rules and Administration

Summary of SR 93 (Session 2025-2026, Minnesota)

Purpose and intent

SR 93 is a Senate resolution honoring and commending the founders, leaders, staff, and volunteers of the Women’s Association of Hmong and Lao, Inc. (WAHL).

The resolution recognizes WAHL’s historic and ongoing contributions to advancing the rights, status, and empowerment of Hmong women and girls in Minnesota.

It aims to publicize WAHL’s legacy, celebrate its impact on equity and justice, and highlight its role in transforming Minnesota’s social and cultural landscape.

Key provisions and changes

Acknowledgment of WAHL’s formation and leadership:

WAHL was founded in 1978 by pioneering Hmong women (notably Gaoly Yang, Choua Thao, Kia Moua Yang, and Kia Thao Ly) who challenged patriarchal norms and advanced women’s rights.

Description of WAHL’s work and impact:

Provided life-changing social services, leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, and empowerment for Hmong women and girls.
Addressed critical issues such as domestic violence and polygamy through partnerships with law enforcement, shelters, and advocacy organizations to protect rights and safety.
Created culturally specific programs for vulnerable and homebound Hmong elders, continuing to support community well-being.
Over 24 years, helped nurture the leadership of more than 100 Hmong women and catalyzed a broader movement for Hmong women’s rights in Minnesota and the United States.

Recognition of legacy and ongoing influence:

Emphasizes WAHL’s enduring influence on culture, equity, dignity, and justice, and its role in advancing inclusive community development in Minnesota.

Formal ceremonial language:

The Senate resolves to honor WAHL’s founders, board members, staff, and volunteers and to celebrate WAHL’s lasting legacy in transforming lives and advancing a more equitable state.

Who and what is affected

The resolution honors WAHL and its network (founders, leaders, staff, volunteers, and alumni) and acknowledges the organization’s impact on Hmong women and girls in Minnesota.

It is symbolic in nature and does not enact or mandate new programs, funding, or regulatory changes.

It serves to recognize contributions by WAHL to social services, immigrant/refugee communities, gender equity, and community leadership.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral:

Introduced and referred to the Rules and Administration Committee on May 16, 2026.

Sponsorship:

Sponsored by State Senator Foung Hawj (Co-sponsor) and supported by Senators Tom Bottern (Secretary of the Senate, Rules and Administration Chair) and Erin Murphy.

Status:

A non-binding Senate resolution typical of expressions of appreciation and recognition; it does not create enforceable requirements or funding.

Potential impact

raises awareness of WAHL’s historical and contemporary contributions to Hmong women and girls, immigrant communities, and Minnesota’s cultural fabric.

could inspire broader public acknowledgment of immigrant-led advocacy and gender equity efforts.

may provide a basis for future commemorative events, partnerships, or educational initiatives highlighting WAHL’s work.