Throughout history, women’s voices have been silenced. Many powerful activists for women’s rights have paved a way for more women to speak out. Recent movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo provide platforms for all people who identify as women and all those who have been abused and harassed to step forward and share their stories. During Women’s History Month, Day One recognizes and celebrates women that began the fight and encouraged each other to stand together against sexual violence and inequality.
Powerful Women Shout-outs
Simone de Beauvoir – 1949 – Simone is famous for her book, The Second Sex, in which she points out the issues of patriarchy and explores how it oppresses women. She received huge backlash for speaking out, but paved the way for feminists everywhere.
Edith Green – 1960’s – Edith was one of few women in Congress during the 1960’s, serving as an Oregon Representative. She composed the bill that is now known as Title IX, banning sex discrimination in federally funded schools. This allowed women to attend college and provided access to women’s athletics.
Anita Hill – 1991 – When the grey area of acceptable work behavior and banter was still being determined, Anita Hill submitted a statement regarding the sexual harassment she endured from U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Clarence Thomas when he was her boss. Although he still secured his spot, Anita’s fight opened the door for women to speak up and forced national attention to sexual harassment issues.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg – 1993 – Ruth was appointed the second female Supreme Court Justice after co-founding the Women’s Rights Law Reporter in 1970, and starting the “Women’s Rights Project” at the American Civil Liberties Union. She has consistently fought for women’s rights and voices everywhere to this day.
All Those Speaking Out Against Inequality and Sexual Violence
Many women and supporters have joined the fight recently. Follow these powerful women and mirror their strength in your daily life to celebrate Women’s History Month and every month!
#MeToo
The #MeToo Movement was founded by Tarana Burke about 10 years ago to support survivors of sexual assault, particularly women of color. The movement recently received a new burst of support when Alyssa Milano, an actress from the T.V. show Charmed, encouraged her fellow women in the industry to stand together by sharing the hashtag #MeToo on social media. This sparked a following of more than just those in the entertainment industry and brought to light the large number of women who have experienced harassment and/or violence in their lifetimes.
Here are a few ways to get involved and support this movement:
- Share #MeToo on social media, if you’ve experienced sexual violence and feel comfortable sharing
- Join the movement and receive updates on the website
Time’s Up
Time’s Up was started at the beginning of 2018 by women who work in the entertainment industry. The campaign focuses on recognizing the issue that power imbalances cause within the workplace The campaign’s letter of solidarity reaches out to women that may feel small and voiceless in workplaces with men in positions of power. The campaign aims to hold workplaces responsible for safety and support in such situations.
Here are a few ways to get involved and support this campaign:
- Share #TimesUp on social media to spread the word
- Educate yourself on current inequality issues
What can you do?
Here are things you can do in your everyday life:
- Support loved ones who have experienced sexual violence and provide them with resources if they are interested
- Speak out and get help when witnessing a dangerous situation
- Start a conversation on topics like sexual harassment and stay informed
- Educate yourself on your rights with free guides from Day One
- Donate to local campaigns and nonprofits that provide services and support