A Few Words on Feminism

Published October 05, 2008 @ 04:05PM PT

The following is a collection of quotes from real women - some famous, some not-so famous - but all of whom are making a difference in the womens rights movement. Could you summarize the women's rights movement in just one statement?

"So I write this as a plea to all women, especially women of my generation: Let Thomas' confirmation serve to remind you, as it did me, that the fight is far from over. Let this dismissal of a woman's experience move you to anger. Turn that outrage into political power. Do not vote for them unless they work for us. Do not have sex them with them, do not break bread with them, do not nurture them if they don't prioritize our freedom to control our bodies and our lives. I am not a post-feminist feminist. I am the Third Wave." - Rebecca Walker, "Becoming the Third Wave" Ms. Magazine (1992)

"Why are people so mean to feminists? Because so much of feminism is the fine art of calling bullshit, and calling bullshit makes people uncomfortable." - Amanda Marcotte, "It's A Jungle Out There"

"People ask if being a mom made me more political. Rather it was my faith in feminism that gave me the strength to bring a life into this world." - Veronica I. Arreola, Viva la Feminista

"Feminism is not a dirty word." - Tanya Tarr, organizer of NotMyGal

"I graduated from college 40 years ago! Fought to wear pants suits with stupid tunics so they'd look like skirts Fought to keep my name when I got married. Fought to be allowed to enter the National Press Club (women journalists had to stay in the balcony.) Fought to work in journalism. Fought to manage coverage of the end of the Vietnam War, the fall of Cambodia, the war in Cyprus, the New York blackout, the Son of Sam...and was terrified to say "my son is sick, I need to go home." I did it, but it was a huge black mark when I did. I would have given anything for a four day week - or at least comprehension that I wasn't less of a journalist because I was a committed parent. Flexible work hours are not concessions, they are the best way to allow talented, productive people to be outstanding not only at work, but at home, too." - Cynthia Samuels, Don't Gel Too Soon

"Where previous generations felt punished for their gender, this generation of women often grew up feeling entitled, valued and respected -- and proud to be women." - Amy Richards, author of "Manifesta"

"Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age." - activist and feminist movement leader, Gloria Steinem

"Women are not the niche audience. They are the audience." - Lisa Witter & Lisa Chen, "The She Spot"

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"Women Rock" - Thomas McHugh.

Posted by Thomas McHugh on 08/01/2009 @ 02:37PM PT
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Women are humans as well, and do not deserve to be treated unequally as compared to men. Governments have the role to make sure that rights of certain groups, like women, are not violated. The question is - are they even making an effort?

Posted by Rasika Sethi on 11/04/2009 @ 04:55AM PT
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Author

Jen Nedeau is a social media consultant, progressive activist, feminist speaker and writer. She currently lives in New York City, where she works full-time as the Director of Digital Strategy at Air America Media. In August 2008, Nedeau was selected to be the Editor of the WomensRights.Change.Org where she facilitates daily discussion about the feminist movement. Additionally, Nedeau volunteers as the Chief Technology Officer for New Leaders Council, a non-profit that offers exclusive training for young leaders. You can follow her on Twitter @HumanFolly or learn more here: www.jennedeau.com.