Women's Rights and Political Revolution Lecture

Historical Context

• Nearly 100 years ago, most women in the US won the right to vote.
• Women of color gained this right much later.
• Significant progress has been made but not enough.

Modern Women's Aspirations

• Women want true and full equality.
• Desire to reshape future institutions and governments to include women.

Women's Political Revolution

• Aim for full equality across all lines: race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, political labels.
• Emphasis on women's resilience and commitment to future generations.
• Personal story: the speaker's family history of strong Texas women.

Progress and Challenges

• Women constitute almost half the workforce and breadwinners in many families.
• Title IX has increased women’s presence in higher education and professional fields.
• Yet, women’s political representation lags significantly (104th globally).
• Lack of paid family leave and higher maternal mortality rates in the US.
• Persistent gender pay gap.

Importance of Political Representation

• Representation affects policy outcomes (e.g., removal of maternity benefits when no women were present in decision-making).
• Women in office tend to sponsor and cosponsor more legislation, work across party lines.

Grassroots Movements and Activism

• Global movements against sexism and for women's rights (e.g., #MeToo).
• Notable progress in various countries (e.g., women driving in Saudi Arabia, reproductive rights movements in Ireland).

Women in US Politics

• Increased activism and record numbers of women running for and winning office.
• Examples: Lucy McBath (gun violence awareness), Angie Craig (LGBTQ rights), Lauren Underwood (health care access).

Action Steps for Building a Global Movement

• Resist and Advocate: Be clear about goals for full equality.
• Intersectionality: Follow the lead of women of color.
• Voting: Vote in every election and make voting easier.
• Take Initiative: Address problems directly, run for office, organize new movements.
• Invest in Women: Financially support women candidates and leaders.

Conclusion

• The importance of tackling seemingly intractable problems.
• Collective action is powerful; together, women form an unstoppable movement.