Women Created Memorial Day

I read this in my morning women enews and thought it particularly poignant.

Women Created Memorial Day
Run Date: 05/25/09
By Joan Wages
WeNews commentator
The forgotten role that women played in the creation of Memorial Day is just one example of how women’s history has been overlooked. Joan Wages says we need a permanent reminder of the experiences of American women.

(WOMENSENEWS)–Much of women’s history is missing from our public story. One more example; women were almost entirely responsible for the recognition of Memorial Day. Its origin was the Civil War and until recently, the day focused on the terrible War between the States that, at tremendous human cost, ended legalized racial slavery in the United States.

Just weeks after the Civil War ended in April 1865, Ellen Call Long organized a women’s memorial society to reconcile embittered enemies. Usually named some variant of “women’s relief society,” groups sprang up in both the North and South that not only memorialized the dead, but also cared for the war’s disabled and its widows and orphans.

Turning Gore Into Reflection
On June 22, 1865, women adopted these profound, forgiving and future-oriented resolutions. The document read in part:

“The object of this meeting is to initiate a Memorial Association . . . that shall perpetuate in an honorable manner the memory of the gallant dead . . .

In no invidious spirit do we come; the political storm that shook our country to its foundation, we hope, is passed . . . We are done with the [Confederate] cause . . . and are willing to do all that women can do to stem the tide of bitterness . . . and angry feelings . . . We will practice and teach forbearance and patience, which must finally bring peace and justice . . . “

Our society has forgotten that women cleaned up the mess. They took the gruesome reality of approximately a half-million dead men, and by promoting cemeteries, led the way in turning blood and gore into something that encouraged serenity and reflection.

In our nation’s capital filled with museums, there is not one to remind us of the totality of the experience of American women. The National Women’s History Museum is urging Congress to pass legislation that will provide a permanent home for women’s history in our nation’s capital.

Joan Wages is the president of the National Women’s History Museum, which was founded in 1996 in Washington, D.C.

Only 3 more states…

It would only take 3 more states to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. What great news right? But it appears that it may be harder to accomplish than getting the first 33! Check out this awesome piece that was in the Philadelphia Inquirer last month.

ERA would end women’s second-class citizenship
Only three more states are needed to declare gender bias unconstitutional.

Carolyn Cook
is the Washington representative for the ERA Campaign Network

When our forefathers broke from Britain, they left nothing to chance. They put it in writing.

In unified thought, spirit, and action, the Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 white, male landowners representing 13 colonies. Hardly reflective of America today, it formally challenged the notion of the “divine right of kings” and guaranteed wealthy men equal rights.

The Declaration of Independence provides the rationale through which the U.S. Constitution is interpreted. Therefore, the Supreme Court renders its judgments based on a legal precedent established 239 years ago of equality among men only!

With only one justice and one quarter of judges in state courts female, the odds are not in our favor. Furthermore, without the explicit wording and intention of women’s rights documented in the principles of our government, women remain second-class citizens until we unite and declare otherwise.

Justice Antonin Scalia affirms this stark reality. “When a practice not explicitly prohibited by the text of the Bill of Rights bears the endorsement of a long tradition of open, widespread, and unchallenged use, that dates back to the beginning of the Republic, we have no proper basis for striking it down,” he wrote.

More than two dozen amendments to the Constitution have granted critical civil and political rights. Steadily, our cultural landscape transformed from horrific human rights violations to electing the first Catholic and African American male presidents. Stunning triumphs, and yet our moral compass must not ignore the double standard that remains – gender discrimination.

Without a uniform guarantee of equality across 50 states, there is no assurance of women’s progress. The stopgap of laws arbitrarily sprinkled throughout the states, subjectively interpreted by courts and subject to being overturned by a single vote, has failed us. Unwise “investors” bank on the security and protection of state laws, assuming these measures are sufficient. They build castles made of sand that the changing tides in legislatures can sweep away without a trace.

Verbal, sexual, and physical assaults have become commonplace; advertising exploits our bodies and limits our self-concept; wage disparity and insufficient family support persist in employment; and caregivers are not yet eligible for Social Security.

The omission of women in the U.S. Constitution has had far-reaching consequences for far too long. The time to take action is now.

The Equal Rights Amendment updates America’s original social contract. It calls upon the U.S. government to modernize its structures, laws, and policies to reflect the progress and contributions of the other half of its taxpaying citizens.

Just three more states are needed to ratify the ERA as the 28th Amendment. Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida (2009), and Virginia (2010) are attempting to officially declare men and women equal stakeholders in America’s future. With an economy to recover, international relations to mend, and corruption to end, all hands must be joined in this effort.

ERA simply states: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

The ERA invests in women’s social progress – offering them the dignity and respect they are entitled to as individuals and citizens of this democracy. It is high time our government declare gender discrimination unconstitutional as it has nobly done with race. With a uniform guarantee of equality upheld in all 50 states, women’s progress at home, at work, and in their communities will be measured and protected by the full extent of the law.

Hurrah for Hilda!

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on equal pay received today April 28, 2009.

WASHINGTON – ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today made the following statement on equal pay:

“One of the most fundamental principles on which our nation was founded is the belief that we are all created equal.

“Yet today, women earn just 78 cents for every dollar a man earns. Women of color earn even less. Countless women are losing thousands of dollars in salary, income and retirement savings over the course of a lifetime. As a result, women often must work longer or harder to make ends meet.

“As the secretary of labor, I am committed to ensuring that the women in our country and around the world have a voice and advocate.

“The Labor Department is working hard at implementing the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which has had a direct impact on women. While women have a lower overall unemployment rate than the general population, women are also impacted when a spouse loses a job.

“Increases to unemployment insurance and extensions of benefits become the lifeboat for families who are struggling in this recession. The Recovery Act provides a 65 percent tax subsidy for the cost of health benefits, making them more affordable for the unemployed, and will help millions of families keep their health coverage.

“Additional funds have been made available to local communities for job training and employment services. These programs will help women across generations and socio-economic groups participate in a sustainable ‘green’ economy by attaining higher-paying, career-ladder jobs in nontraditional fields.

“Equal pay is not just about fairness; it is also about making our economy work for everyone. Pay discrimination impacts the ability of families to put food on the table, fill the gas tank and pay the electric bill.

“There are no second class citizens in our workplaces, and it’s not just unjust and illegal but bad for business to pay someone less because of her or his gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion or disability.

“We must work to close the pay gap that is taking millions of dollars out of the pockets of families across the country and undermining our economic stability.”

Hope for Women in Afghanistan

I simply can’t believe that the women of Afghanistan are being abandoned again by the world’s super powers. Pres. Karzai signed into law last week a bill that legalizes marital rape. This week a woman’s rights activist was mudered in front of her own home and yesterday a young couple who had attempted to elope were executed. The Taliban is alive and well and living in Afghanistan. On Thursday April 16 I will be introducing Connie Duckworth, the Chairman of the Board of Arzu at a reception. This is a non-profit organization that works with women rug weavers in Afghanistan and helps to get their finely woven carpets to foreign markets. Local businessman Rob Leahy is hosting Arzu this weekend at Fine Rugs of Charleston at 1523 Meeting St. Ext. in Charleston. There will be a free reception on Thursday from 5 to 7pm, the rugs will be available then and all day Friday and Saturday. On Saturday at 1pm I will moderate a discussion of what life really is like for women in Afghanistan. It is one of my passions as I was a Peace Corps Volunteer there just before the Russian invasion in 1980. I have kept up with all that has happened since then and honestly believe that women in the US need to fight for the rights of our sisters being hugely oppressed by the Taliban.

Women in Biz Rock!

Speed Networking

The 4th annual Women in Business Conference co-sponsored by the Center for Women and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce was held on Friday March 27 and was sold out!!! It was an awesome gathering of over 300 motivated and inspiring women. Several notes came in the mail (when was the last time you took the time to write a note instead of an email?).

Holly F. wrote that she “had a fabulous time and met some very inspiring women”. Another participant, Jennifer B., said “thank you for having such a wonderful organization for women. I attended the conference …and it was fantastic. I just joined the Center for Women…and I have got to tell you I am hooked.”

Young entrepreneurs Kristen and Catherine wrote” thank you for your wonderful service to the community and women. The conference was a great success.”

The speed networking session was extremely popular and everyone asked for more of it which we will do. Luckily we have our annual networking event on Monday, November 16 so there will be another opportunity this year.

In between folks should come to our regular programs as all of them are networking opportunities.

Women in Finance First to be Fired

I have heard over the years how tough it is for women in the financial world. Those who are working as financial advisors face alot of negativity from their male colleagues. I was checking my last women enews posting and was shocked but not suprised to read the following: In an article examining why women on Wall Street are “disappearing” published by Forbes Feb. 25, the story of Amy Bartoletti at Citicorp is provided as a prime example.

Bartoletti claims she was asked to head up a group to securitize home loans, but a male colleague complained that he wasn’t selected, so they were both made co-heads and earned the same salary, despite her greater experience. They both were required to take a special licensing exam in October; she earned the certification quickly, he did not. In November, Bartoletti was laid off from her job because the bank told her she was “too expensive.”

“It’s the old boys’ network,” she said.

Bartoletti and four other women have filed a bias complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that investigates workplace discrimination. Since the stock market crash, 260,000 jobs have been lost in the financial and insurance sectors. Women were 64 percent of employees before the economic crisis but represent 72 percent of the laid-off workers, according to Forbes.
Hmmmmm…..

Civil Rights

I was asked recently what civil rights issue was a priority. To me it is pay equity for women of all races. In SC today women make 72 cents for every dollar a man in a comparable job makes. That 72 cents represents white women. African American women make even less (65 cents) and Hispanic women even less than African American women.
It is time to close the wage gap once and for all. If we paid women what they were worth it would create more jobs and generate enough tax revenue to fully fund state government services. According to the Darla Mooore School of Business at the University of SC paying women that additional 28 cents would create over 100,000 jobs and generate an additional $1 billion in tax revenues for the state.

We can continue to seek legislation that prohibits pay inequity but until all women have equal rights under the Constitution it is a paper exercise. Let women become full citizens and watch how everyone’s quality of life will improve.

Moments of Joy

I saw Joy Vandervort Cobb perform her one woman show called Moments of Joy last night and it was a staggeringly moving moment in the theatre. She covered her life in just 90 minutes, approximately two minutes for every year she has lived and I feel that I know her more every inspiration. She boldly addresses body image, self esteem, motherhood, realtionships both personal and professional, and most importantly she bares her challenges and opportunities for all to experience. Run to see this show…trust me you will be a better person for it.

Center for Women Executive Director’s College of Charleston Commencement Address

By Jennet Robinson Alterman
December 20, 2008

Dr. Jennet Robinson Alterman delivers CofC Commencement Address

Madame Chairman, President Benson, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff…my thanks to you.  To my esteemed fellow Doctors of Humane Letters…Mary Ramsay and Lucille Whipper…we have certainly come a long way and folks don’t even think of calling any of us baby.  I am humbled to be in your esteemed company.  

To you the class of twenty oh eight…Congratulations…you have made it!!!  Now before I start I need to know a few things…Will all of the women who are receiving degrees today please raise your hand…You and Mary and Lucille and I would not be receiving degrees today were it not for a woman named Carrie Pollitzer.

Today we are celebrating 90 years of coeducation at the College of Charleston…but for an educational institution founded in the 1700’s it is interesting to look at what prompted the longstanding male student body and faculty to change their minds and admit women… You all need to know the story of Carrie Pollitzer…Carrie was one of the three Pollitzer sisters of Charleston…Carrie, Mabel and Anita. All 3 of them went to Columbia University in New York because there was no higher education institution for them to attend in Charleston in the early 1900s. In April of 1917 the United States entered World War One. Thousands and thousands of men began to be shipped overseas. Carrie Pollitzer was running the first kindergarten program in Charleston in a carriage house behind her family home on Pitt. St. She had been concerned for a long time that the College of Charleston did not admit female students. So in light of the impact the war would have on student enrollment she though it an appropriate time to press her case with the College Administration. She took it upon herself to call on Dr. Randolph, the President of the College at that time. She implored him to allow women to be admitted. Dr. Randolph, who adamantly opposed coeducation refused to consider her plea. But Carrie pressed on asking for a concrete reason for continuing to not allow women. He finally said to her that the College couldn’t afford to admit women as they didn’t have the money to add a separate ladies room. Carrie took that as her call to arms. When asked how much building a rest room would cost he told her it would cost $3000…which was a fortune in 1917. He obviously thought that a sum that size would intimidate  Carrie into dropping the subject of coeducation. Au contra ire…instead Carrie said…let me see what I can do. She spent that summer (before AC!) and fall going door to door asking for donations from friends and neighbors and by the end of the year she had raised $3000.

And in fall of 1918 ten women were enrolled at the College of Charleston…and now today all of us follow in their footsteps.  

Read the rest here.

Time now for women’s equal rights

What a day to vote. It was rainy and a little chilly, but the line for my polling place stretched for blocks. We were a mixed group that reflected the diversity of peninsular Charleston.

Astonishingly, everyone was in a good mood, apparently sensing the history being made. I couldn’t help but think of the history that brought me to that line. A history of struggle that began with the writing of the Constitution.

In the 1840s, the first organized movement for women’s suffrage began, and it didn’t end until 1920 when the 19th Amendment passed both Congress and 36 states giving women the right to vote.

Just a few blocks from my polling place is the home of Anita Pollitzer, whose efforts with the National Women’s Party sealed the deal when she successfully lobbied a reluctant Tennessee legislator whose vote ultimately proved to be the one that broke down this barrier for women.

It was a hard-fought battle and I think of those women who bucked the conventional wisdom on my behalf.

While women have the vote in America, there are millions of women on this planet who don’t: The women of Afghanistan who have been so degraded by their culture and for whom the right to vote is the greatest of privileges but a fleeting privilege that will disappear overnight if the Taliban takes power again. The women of Saudi Arabia who not only can’t vote but aren’t allowed to drive or leave the country without a man’s permission.

The women of Swaziland who live in a country where 26 percent of the population has HIV/AIDS.

I vote on their behalf with the hope that the new administration will support efforts to bring respect and human rights to women worldwide.

I also vote for the women in my own country who don’t have access to affordable child care, whose pay is a third less than their male colleagues and for whom health care is a luxury and care giving is not a valued commodity.

In a year when Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin broke through the glass ceiling of politics, when our vote ended up being the deciding factor, it is only right to recognize that we have a long way still to go.

Our current rights are limited to laws and amendments to laws that can be overturned in a legislative session or by executive order.

Our rights are tentative at best and can turn on the dime of public opinion or a state legislature dominated by one ideology.

It is time to bring women to the table with equal rights under the Constitution. It’s time, and that is what I thought about when I voted on Nov. 4. For more information go to http://www.equalrightsamendment.org/

Jennet Robinson Alterman is executive director of the Center for Women in Charleston, S.C.