Women's health and futures are under attack from the political and the religious right.One of the most liberating moments of my young life was when, at age 14, the school dress code finally loosened to the point where it ceased to exist I had always hated the compulsory skirts and knee socks that allowed the cold wind to freeze us girls as we walked to and from school. I definitely felt more comfortable in every way in my ratty, ripped jeans that I wore to school the minute I was able.
There was much to learn about the history of women's rights, the fact that women couldn't even vote not too long ago, the fact that women's wages were often non-existent, or far too low, for the vital work they perform of raising the next generation, taking care of the elderly and infirm, and keeping the institutions of homes, schools, and healthcare humming along.
I knew even as a teen that the idea that feminism is the vehicle for women to become CEOs, senators, president, or whatever other symbols of success this society rewards with prestige and monetary compensation was a danger, as co-opting the movement to promote strengthening of the current unequal and unfair social order was clearly the goal of some.
Women are registering to vote at a record clip. For any of us working on issue organizing, whether it is climate, sane gun restrictions, immigrant justice, or voting rights, women are at the forefront. I recall being a young person in the anti-Vietnam war movement—all the leadership I ever encountered was male.