Congresswoman Jackie Speier struck a blow for equality this week by introducing a bill that would create a Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission would be modeled after the one established by President Kennedy in 1961. It would take a cold hard look at the status of women in our male dominated "democracy."
Kennedy's Commission on the Status of Women shook things up so much that a nation-wide feminist network was created. The National Organization for Women (NOW) was birthed by former members of the 1961 Commission, and the result was a mind-blowing feminist tsunami. Goddess only knows what might rise up out of an updated Commission.
Congresswoman Speier introduced her bill on the anniversary of the day the first Congresswoman was sworn into office. Jeannette Rankin became a member of the House of Representatives on April 2, 1917. In the 92 years since that date, women's representation has increased from a lonely one to a pathetic 17 percent. At this rate, IF things go well, women will be 35 percent of Congress in 2109!!
In other words, the status of women in this sorry male-dominated nation sucks, and it's high time we had a national conversation on the subject of misogyny. And it would be real nice, but maybe impossible, if men didn't end up dominating that conversation.
From Congresswoman Speier's website:
"Despite advances in the lives and livelihoods of women since Ms. Rankin took her oath of office, their remains in our society many forms of subtle but insidious discrimination,” Congresswoman Speier said. “The issues that affect us all - poverty; violence; inequities in healthcare, housing and employment - are still shouldered disproportionately by women. A Presidential Commission on Women will be able to examine these and other issues in a thorough, rational and bipartisan manner and help illuminate a path toward a brighter and more equitable future.”
HR 1887 would establish a 15 member non-salaried Commission on Women charged with examining “the circumstances that contribute to discrimination, inequality and economic hardship faced by women throughout the country” and establishing “initiatives and programs that promote equality for women, and protect against discrimination of women, in all areas of public and private life.”
The bill was introduced with 26 original co-sponsors. In addition, more than 60 women’s organizations have endorsed the bill.
Clearly, we need this bill. Please contact your Congressman, the lucky few of you can contact your Congresswoman. It takes only minutes to write and and urge your Congressperson to sign on as a co-sponsor of HR 1887. Do it for Hillary. Do it for your daughters. Do it for your mom. Do it for yourself.
See the Campaign for Gender Equality and Women Count for more info.
“I would say, ‘We’ve come a long way, baby’…not. If you look at statistics, it’s very telling. Women represent only 17 percent of Congress. The amount women make in comparison to men is only 77 cents on the dollar.”
Thanks Maria!
Jackie Speier Feminist Politics News Gender Misogyny Women's History Equal Representation
