One-hundred forty-four years ago today on May 10, 1872, Victoria Woodhull became the first woman nominated for President of the United States.
Dislike! There is no lack of qualified women to fill leadership roles. What’s in the way? Gender bias. Read our new report.
Happy birthday, Alice Paul!
The best way to honor her legacy? Register to vote.
These Four Supreme Court Cases Were Major Victories in 2015
2015 brought in a wave of wins for gender equity. Let’s keep it up in 2016!
1. A Win for the Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Young v. UPS went to the heart of one of the most important workplace protection laws: the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). Passed in 1978, the PDA states unequivocally that pregnancy discrimination is a form of sex discrimination, and it requires employers to treat pregnant employees the same as non-pregnant employees who have similar abilities or inabilities to work. This spring, the court ruled 6-3 in favor of Peggy Young, which means that she will be able to present her case to the lower court for a ruling on the merits. Had the court sided with UPS, it could have weakened the PDA’s protection for pregnant workers.
2. Women’s Health Care Protected
King v. Burwell was yet another challenge to the Affordable Care Act. In King, opponents of the health care law argued that tax credits that help low-income people afford health care coverage should only be available to people in states with state-run health care exchanges. If the court had sided with the challengers, millions of women would have lost health care coverage.
3. Voting Rights: Victories and Questions
With a major election cycle gearing up, voting rights are on our minds.The court saw several significant cases this term that addressed gerrymandering and redistricting. Two of the most significant were the linked cases Alabama Legislative Black Caucus v. Alabama and Alabama Democratic Conference v. Alabama. The court of appeals sided with the state. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court reversed, sending the plan back to the lower court for a district-by-district review. Although the court did not rule on the constitutionality of the plan, it indicated that a majority of justices believed that at least some of the districts were drawn unconstitutionally. The court’s decision doesn’t ensure that the plan will be declared unconstitutional by the lower court, but it offers a chance for the challengers to make a case.
As we approach the 2016 election next year, these challenges will be front and center.
4. And Last But Not Least, Marriage Equality Prevailed!
Though all of the court’s decisions are significant, this term will be remembered for one particular case: Obergefell v. Hodges. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that states must allow same-sex couples to marry and must recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in other states. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the court, relied on earlier cases that had established the right to marry as a fundamental right. Of the same-sex couples seeking to marry, he wrote, “They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”
It’s a Man’s World … Unless Women Vote!
It’s Election Day! Women make up over half of the U.S. population, and their voices are crucial at the polls. Yet in 2014, less than half of eligible women voters reported voting. Off-year elections, including the 2015 election season, are a time when young women are even less likely to vote.
Women fought for the right to vote. It’s time to use it! Take a second to register to vote or update your record.
¿Qué Pasa, USA? The State of the Latina Address
When Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ran for Congress in 1989, she told her opponents that she would run and she would win, because no one would outwork her. She became the first Latina ever elected to Congress.
Today, Latinos are the largest U.S. minority population, yet the United States has never had a Latina Senator. Only 11 Latinas have ever served in Congress.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the incredible strides Hispanic and Latina women such as Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Justice Sonia Sotomayor have made, but there’s still work to be done.
Seriously, ¿qué pasa, USA? We can do better!
Learn how you can help more young Latina women run and win elections.
Happy National Voter Registration Day!
Women make up over half of the U.S. population. Yet in 2014, less than half of eligible women voters reported voting. Off-year elections, including the 2015 election season, are a time when young women are even less likely to vote.
Want to see real progress for women? Register to vote!
These awesome college presidents have already said yes.
Name: Julie Zeilinger
Age: 19
State: Ohio
Claim to fame: Founder and editor of the FBomb, a feminist blog and community for teens and young adults.
Her Pep Talk: “There are already so many forces out there trying to silence you. You don’t need to help them.”
And even if there are explosions, we are going to vote.
Source: The New York Times
Check out those headlines. This is the first Ms. magazine cover from 1972! It feels like we’re still have the same conversations now. Let’s vote for progress!
The first cover of Ms. Magazine when it was co-founded by Gloria Steinem 40 years ago.
Today, the city of New York celebrates the magazine’s 40th anniversary — and 40 years of change.
(via modernfeminism)
Source: openroadmedia-blog
Starbucks Giving Away Free Coffee on July 4 (to spark election conversations)
“In 2012, America needs to win the election more than either party does. It is time now to join together as Americans. It is time, whatever our differences, for us to strive and succeed as one nation – indivisible.”
It’s so simple!
