Lauren Hersh and Rachel Foster

Our country is at a moment of reckoning. The Epstein files have clearly exposed the cruelty of those who used their wealth and power to groom and abuse over 1,000 women and girls. They thought their influence would shield them forever, but thanks to the advocacy and organizing work of Lauren Hersh and Rachel Foster, alongside the survivor community, it is now clear that we must not rest until those responsible are held accountable.

World Without Exploitation, which Lauren and Rachel co-founded, has lifted the voices of the survivors and built a sisterhood that supports survivors and showcases their courage, strength, and tenacity. They have fought for change and made it happen with the release of the files. Taken together, this network continues to expose the depravity of what these women endured, and to demand accountability from a society that has closed its eyes to the horrors for far too long. Thanks to their work, we are moving toward justice.

Thank you, Lauren and Rachel, for standing up for survivors and women everywhere.

Jayapal, a Democrat, is a U.S. Congresswoman for Washington State