Mothers’ Rights and Women Activists
This is a post from Cooper at Been There…
Last weekend I had the opportunity to be on a panel discussing mothers’ rights at the 35th Anniversary conference of Pennsylvania NOW. There is an amazing and proud history of women activists and feminism in this state, and, in particular, this city, but I did not fully appreciate it until I heard the founding members, especially the founding president of PA NOW and icon of the feminist movement (and Pittsburgher), Ellie Smeal, speak.
Hearing the stories of utter determination and complete dedication mixed with guerrilla activist tactics on issues ranging from the ERA to getting girls’ sports made official, was funny, uplifting and deeply inspiring. Smeal talked about how they had no money and did not know any better 35 years ago (thank goodness), and so they charged ahead and did not let anyone get in their way.
