Population Connection Action Fund presented its second annual Empower Her, Empower Humanity Award to Sen. Harry Reid for his unwavering dedication to women’s rights and access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.The award was introduced by Brian Dixon, SVP of Media and Government Relations, and Jean Perry-Jones, longtime CHD participant and Nevada resident. It was accepted on Sen. Reid’s behalf by two of his staff, McKenzie Bennett and Kimberly Miller-Tolbert.

Karen Hampanda and Ana Gutierrez join National Field Director Rebecca Harrington on stage for a mock constituent meeting, giving participants an idea of what to expect in their Monday meetings

Jasmine Jackson, Rickey Leachman, and Selyna Villareal meet with Sen. Patty Murray’s staff

There were so many Arizona State University students visiting Rep. Kyrsten Sinema’s staff that they had to hold their meeting in the hallway of the Longworth House Office Building! Pete Galvan, speaking in the photo above, says that he “would highly recommend participating to any student interested in human rights, reproductive health, or getting involved in advocacy.”

Participants from Colorado meeting with Rep. Diana DeGette’s staff. Constituent lobbying offers the chance for activists to advocate for the millions of women affected by U.S. foreign policy who depend on international family planning aid. In-person meetings demonstrate a level of commitment to the issue that makes members of Congress take notice!

Lauren Reiche and Sydney Rasch, law students at the William H. Bowen School of Law–University of Arkansas at Little Rock, meet with Sen. John Boozman

Capitol Hill Days 2016 was an incredible success thanks to all of the inspiring activists who used their voices to empower women everywhere. Above: Vee Mkandawire and Mellina Chinkhondo