I mentioned earlier that in preparation for next year’s centennial celebration of the ratification of the 19th amendment, I’ve been doing a bit of research each day about the involvement of local women in business and politics from 1910 to 1920. For generations women took care of their families, were active in their churches and communities, taught school or managed businesses, but were NOT allowed to vote on key issues that affected their daily lives. They couldn’t serve on juries, and in some cases couldn’t own property. There have been some other surprises and disappointments that I will certainly share in the future.
However, my thoughts this week have focused on how far some women have advanced and how desperately others are “treading water”. On the one hand, there are women in positions of power and influence that our great-great-grandmothers never dared dream about. Sadly, there are also women who still can’t seem to rise above misconceptions and stereotypes. There are also significant salary differences between women and men in too many industries.
This week I had the opportunity to attend meetings with two groups of women who have been working together for decades to improve their communities. At one meeting we had a guest speaker who represents another group of dedicated women. At both meetings I counted at least three women who are members of other organizations. It encourages and inspires me to know that women still support each other and continue to work together to create a better future for the generations of young women making plans today.
The vote was just the beginning. There is still much to be done…
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