The feminist movement is in no way disappearing. But is it really? Or are we just changing how we create change? Feminists have done a lot to draw attention to real issues online through Slut Walks, #Ineedfeministbecause, and recently the discussion of women in the workplace with Sheryl Sandberg’s desire for women to “Lean In,” not to mention the unprecedented number of women elected to office last November. Action is being taken both online and offline.

But feminism has a lot of issues to work on right now. And we’ve always been diverted – everyone running in a different direction, fighting different issues, and vying each other for media coverage, public attention, and a top place in policy priorities. My question for the last couple years has been how do we work better together? How do we acknowledge the various needs, the extensive list of organizations fighting for feminist issues, and actually bring the movement to a point where we can truly discuss whether the movement is still needed? My research in graduate school has been focused on how online advocacy and the translation from there to offline action and change has worked for different movements and revolutions, and how can the feminist movement take the best of what’s been done and apply it. To extend this question, I am doing research to figure out how the online feminist community connects and takes action, what issues are seen as most important, where are we reading news on these issues, and how we can move forward together.

In order to get real answers to all these questions I need your help. I have put together an anonymous online survey I hope you will take the time to complete. I also ask that you share the survey with your network. While this research is part of my education, and will be a major part of my thesis, it is also my goal that this becomes useful to the feminist community as we look at the next four years, and beyond, and how we combat the issues we seem to be fighting generation after generation.

You can complete the survey here, and share this link with others. Thank you so much for your help and support!

Photo credit: kdonovan_gaddy via photopin cc.

We can drone on about sound bites and rehash debate comments all we want.  We can debate the facts laid in campaign ads, and count up how many lies have been told.  We already know where both Obama and Romney stand on women’s issues, so let’s drop the pandering and lip service and be real for a minute.

While I’d be among the first to admit Obama has not done as much as he could, he’s made more headway to change laws and protect women than any president in my life.  And, while I am certainly not the target audience for any Mitt Romney ad, when he speaks to women’s issues, it comes across hallow and insincere, like a promise our lives will be better because he’ll lead us back to the 1950s. Once upon a time, college was something some girls did, to meet a husband, learn how to run a house, or gain skills to work until they were married.

Once upon a time, birth control and abortion were illegal.

Once upon a time, women were ostracized for wanting a career, and a life outside the home.

Once upon a time, paying women less than men and limiting their ability to move up in a company was commonplace, expected.

Once upon a time, women were expected to keep quiet about abuse, and try harder to please their spouses.

And once upon a time, women chose to fight back and change the social structure of this country.

It didn’t happen all at once, and the work isn’t over yet. It has been passed from one generation to the next, for several generations now.  We have come so far, and the frightening thing is, the ideal world for some would take us back 50 years.  Fifty years of struggle and progress could be wiped out with one election.

Last year I wrote about The Handmaid’s Tale, an often forgotten book about what happens when no one stands up to defend the progress made.  Yes, it should be a part of your library.  And yes, while reading this I was terrified of the parallels I saw as I watched the Republican Primary debates. Our narrator informs us that no one really thought life would be rolled back in time like it was.  No government, especially a democracy would let such a thing happen.  And then no one stood up to the first, minor changes.  It parallels other terrifying times in history.

A Romney presidency will not change our way of life into something akin to The Handmaid’s Tale, though what a cautionary tale it is.  We know from what he has said about women’s issues, from his lip service and pandering, that our fight has been lost on him, as have so many for equal rights.  The warning signs are there.  Yes, the “binders full of women” comment was awful and insulting. It is offensive anyone who has held public office, or anyone for that matter, would say something so condescending about half the country.  But let’s not forget that didn’t happen as told either.  Romney didn’t ask for those binders, they were given to him, full of resumes of well -qualified job candidates, who happened to be women.

We know where Romney stands from his sidestepping question after question about equal pay, and his claim children of single mothers are more likely shoot people.  We’ll disregard the fact the 42^nd and 44^th Presidents of the United States were raised by single mothers. We know Romney prefers employers decide if a woman should use birth control, rather than the individual.  And we know he believes higher education is something only for those who can afford it.  But who can afford it?  Surely not the 47%!

Ann Romney and Janna Ryan have both worked hard to raise families and participate in their communities. Yet neither is a voice for the women’s movement.  Neither one would be a voice of reason or moderation to their conservative husbands.  Neither has ever faced the struggles other women face, raising children alone, or on a tight budget.  They have never had to do the dance between career and family, or dealt with childcare, or had to worry about an illness or injury to cause the family to go bankrupt. Neither of them knows or understands the myriad of reasons another woman may find herself facing when choosing an abortion, or the relief at knowing she no longer has to go spend all her extra pay on birth control.   In fact, we know very little about either of them, what issues they are passionate about, or what kind of agenda, or voice they would have, if any.

In the final debate, Romney paid lip service to women’s issues; in a last ditch effort to gain support.  Yes, we need to protect religious minorities and women in the Middle East, because no country can be successful without developing all of its population.  And yes, it felt like pandering, from both candidates.  What Marie Claire pointed out, which should really be obvious to everyone by now, a sitting president will come off more authentic when it comes to women’s rights abroad over a former governor who appears to have little interest in women’s rights anywhere.

We know where Mitt Romney stands and on these issues, regardless of the sound bites he offers to entice undecided female voters.  We already have an ally in the White House, and he brought many more allies with him.  Without their binders.

I was home sick last week, which means I spent a lot of time watching Gilmore Girls reruns, Downton Abbey, and both Princess Diaries movies.  Have you ever noticed how all of parliament in The Princess Diaries 2 is male?  (Maybe you haven’t seen it enough to notice – I forgive if that’s the case.)  After a plea, and parliamentary move to end the rule that a female must marry to rule (no such rule applies to men), it would appear as though Parliament suddenly becomes even in it’s male to female ratio.

Just for fun, check out this take, a complete opposite of what I’d say about the movie.

Source: images.screenrush.co.uk

Equality doesn’t come that easy.  Sure it’s easy to say in the 21^st century any country who doesn’t allow women in government and expects female rulers to marry could easily turn over such rules, but change at any time is hard fought for.  Downton Abbey shows the struggles for equality at various levels.

Lady Sybil is the obvious example, and as one of my favorite characters on TV, I had to take a minute to rave about her.  To stand your ground and voice your opinion about the need to for women to have the vote, knowing your entire family and any dinner guests you may have will likely disagree with you, is courageous.  She also voices that women should have a place in politics, and that women can expect more from life than to wait to be married off to ensure proper status of the family.  Her act of getting involved in politics and trying to work to earn the vote is a great display of the times, the struggle, and early feminism.

While many in the fight would not have been of her social status, Sybil is a great example of how these battles have involved women from all walks of life.  What I appreciate most is the show of the work to make it happen.  The work, the struggle is not something often shown, and Downton Abbey does a great job of portraying women working to make things happen for them, taking charge of their situations in life and creating their own futures.

Sometimes we forget how hard it was to get where we are.  When times get tough, like this year has been for women’s rights, it’s important to remember we’ve been here before.  And we’ve successfully come together and made change happen, and made lives better for women everywhere.  The news from day to day can be discouraging, but each time we’ve taken on a challenge together, and we’ll be able to do it again.  Sometimes it just takes a break and too much thought about what’s on TV to make you realize it.  Easy doesn’t happen in the real world.  Keep fighting, stand your ground and speak your mind.

Remember the old Glamour piece: 30 Things Every Woman Should Have or Know by the Time She’s 30?  You may have seen it crop back up recently.  The timely was impeccable for me, floating into my inbox just days before my 30^th birthday.  I read through the list remembering when I first read it in 1997, and thinking how far away 30 seemed, and how old I would be then.  And yes, teenagers now will think I am so old.  Actually those in their early 20s think that too.

Scanning through the list was almost entertaining for me.  Thinking about what on this I had down and what I didn’t, and actually realizing, if I didn’t have that down, oh well.  I concerned myself more with what I should know than what I should have.  In case you need a refresher here you go:

By 30, you should have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
9. That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

I don’t have all 30 down, but I like where I am.  There are a few life lessons I could throw in, but what would be the point?  Looking back now I know what I considered a quarter life crisis is really just life.  Sometimes it sucks and you feel lost, especially when you’re 25 and underemployed.

I’ve spent the last week hearing jokes about anti aging crèmes (I don’t need those yet!), blue plate dinners (do I really need to eat that early?), and gray hairs (the first cropped up recently).  I have diligently kept track of these to throw at others (namely my boyfriend) when it becomes his turn later this year.  So what advice are men given about turning 30?

Ask and you shall receive!  Just the other day, Role Reboot shared a post from Hugo Schwyzer about what men should know by 30.  Whew – glad that conundrum has been solved!  It’s actually great advice – I don’t mean to sound so surprised, but the 30 things for women seem a little obvious, and things we’re told as we get older anyways.  The 10 things men should know, is actually 10 things every man should know (this means check it out to you male readers).

I approached 30 without concern for crossing some big abyss; I didn’t wake up to the ticking of my biological clock, or suddenly feel wise as the clock struck the time of my birth.  I have enough friends to tell me your 30s are great, and enough contentment with my 20s to move on without concern, sadness or trepidation.

For those of you old enough to look back on this list and think about what you knew when, what do you think of both the Glamour and Role Reboot lists?  What is missing and what do you wish you’d known?

*Photo via Creative Commons License by Greta Hughson

Headline Wednesday in The Hill read ‘GOP Concedes on domestic violence bill’.  Concedes? We’re talking about battling domestic violence and we’re fighting about it? I’m still trying to wrap my head around anyone taking the position against legislation to prevent domestic violence and provide for victims. I figured others might be having the same reaction, so here’s my breakdown of what is happening around Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Re-authorization.

The History: 

After several years of Congressional hearings from experts, service providers and victims, then –Senator Joe Biden in 1994, which passed through both the House and Senate with bipartisan support.  Through the initial passage, the bill established the Office of Violence Against Women, within the Department of Justice which administers the provisions.  It also provided $1.6 billion for investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, bringing together the criminal justice and social service systems as well as nonprofit organizations.  VAWA provided guarantees of interstate enforcement of protection orders, protected battered immigrants and Native Americans.

Since the original passage of VAWA, the bill has been brought back to Congress twice for re-authorization, in 2000 and 2005.  Both times it was passed with bipartisan support.  When you look at what parts of this year’s bill are controversial it can become confusing, as some of these are simply expanding on previous provisions.

For example, in 2000 the legislation provided further protections for immigrants by establishing special visas for those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.  A focus was also placed that year on sex trafficking.  While dating violence and stalking were new additions, they provided a stepping stone to this year’s additions, as well as filling a gap in assistance and needs for victims.

In 2005, VAWA was expanded to assist immigrant victims in ways previous legislation and legislation was unable to do.  It also was the first time funding was available for rape crisis centers, and developed culturally and linguistically specific services for communities – which better allows non-English speaking victims to seek support or services.

VAWA in 2012 (The “Controversial” Parts):

While VAWA is about protecting everyone from domestic violence and abuse, there are specific communities where getting legal protections, services, support or even housing in a shelter can be almost impossible.

Immigrants, legal or not, have been protected under the law from the start, but this year, Senate Democrats want to increase the cap on visas for victims of violence and sexual assault from 10,000 to 15,000 visas.  Providing high level protection for an additional 5,000 immigrants is apparently too much for the GOP.  These are not additional visas ready for those cases where victims need them, but would come from unused visas from the previous year.

Native American women face much higher rates of abuse, and the Senate Democrats have provided one way to change those rates.  By providing limited jurisdiction to tribes to prosecute offenders in domestic violence cases the gap in jurisdiction can begin to close.  This part was actually taken from the SAVE Native Women Act, which received bipartisan support.

While women are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence, it happens to everyone.  Provisions for the LGBTQ community are crucial to providing services for, and prosecuting all domestic violence cases.  Men’s shelters are often much smaller, do not allow as lengthy of stays as women’s shelters, and may not feel entirely safe to gay victims.  Reasons gay and lesbian victims are often turned away from housing is because of their sexual orientation.  Transgender victims have the hardest time seeking help, shelter and assistance, often because providers do not understand the situation, and are unsure how to address issues and provide appropriate levels of help.  Discrimination is a problem, and while it is one that is in process of being addressed by many organizations and communities who provide assistance and services to all victims, it is not yet solved.  Specificity in this case is crucial, as it will forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation.  What is still needed is, funds to organizations providing assistance to the LGBTQ community for services and training providers working with victims.

Clearly the issue the GOP has is assisting anyone who is not an English speaking, heterosexual woman, at least in an election year.  A bill that provides assistance to prevent domestic violence and make it easier to seek legal assistance should always be supported, should always be passed, and should never require a fight.

The Republican Version (in brief):

Mandatory minimums for perpetrators.  This would affect victim reporting, as most victims know the perpetrator.

Using Gender Neutral language instead of addressing LGBTQ community specifically.  Gender neutral language does not address the need of specified assistance for LGBTQ victims. 

Limiting U-Visa program for illegal immigrant victims.  This would actually result in under reporting and make it less likely for victims to seek help from law enforcement.

Requires applications be denied if the perpetrator is found “not guilty”.  State criminal laws are different, and should a perpetrator be released in such a way, the victim in danger, with little option at that point for further legal action. 

Requires Native American victims to seek protective orders in federal court.  Expecting victims to travel to the nearest federal court, sometimes hundreds of miles from home will only reduce the number of victims from tribal lands seeking protective orders and additional assistance. 

With the Senate bill passing as is, what will come up in the House?

House Republicans are proposing:

• Increase penalties for stalkers who target minors and the elderly
• Funding to clear the backlog of untested rape kits that could be as high as 400,00

Needless to say it will not include provisions from the Senate Democratic version.  These are good things, and they are needed, but it doesn’t cover enough of the problem.

I know the version from 2005 will continue.  Everything will go through before the current bill ends in September.  Public safety is not something we need to fight about, and toss around, especially in an election year. If only we could find a way to combine the good things that come from each of these, if only we could work together.  After all my reading I’m still loss as to why Republicans do not trust tribal courts.

*Photo credit: Flickr user kabl1992

This post is part of the National Women’s Law Center and MomsRising’s annual Blog Carnival  for Equal Pay Day

Several years ago I moved to a new city, unemployed, without much of a support network nearby and no health insurance.  It took me a few months of job searching to realize this was going to be a longer process, which meant I’d need a temporary job in the mean time.  I was lucky in that I was living with boyfriend who was able to cover much of the costs of housing and food for awhile.  I found a temp agency and worked a few jobs, earning enough to keep gas in my car, and barely make my payments.

Desperate for a more work and steady money, I turned, as I always do in times of need, to the retail industry.  I worked retail in high school and college, rather than wait tables – which meant at age 24 no one was going to train me to do that.  My job was part time in an upscale women’s clothing store.  I started out that job in the red, as I needed to buy their clothes to wear to work – all possible through my great discount, which I only received if I used their credit card.  I made roughly $9/hour, which with regular hours actually turned out better than the temp work.  It was never enough – at least not to get ahead.  I spent a lot of time reminding myself I was actually making more than minimum wage.  But my above average hourly wage wasn’t enough to keep me going on my own.  How were others fairing with less?

After asking for more and more hours, and seeing instead hours disappearing, I wound up with a second retail job within nine months of starting, all the while searching for a salaried job in my field.  I made enough to get from one month to the next.  I was never able to put money away.  I spent days off cleaning my apartment, and reading books at the bookstore without buying them.  The job search started to pay off, sort of.  I found two office jobs, in my field.  Finally!  Both were, again, hourly and part time, which meant I had to continue with two jobs.  There was still no health insurance.  I bought a plan that was so expensive to go to the doctor it was out of the question.  I change car insurance copies in an attempt to save $20/month.   The grants that paid both of my positions disappearing or not being renewed was a constant fear.  What would happen if I lost these positions?

It was during this time the stock market crashed, the housing bubble burst, and people weren’t spending much money.  Would there be an opening in retail if I had to go back?  That wasn’t likely at the time.  I knew a lot of friends from the store I’d worked at looking for other jobs to make up for cut hours, desperate to stay afloat and ahead of the curve.  I never thought that would be me, with a college degree, and plenty of great experience, trying to make ends meet and squeeze everything I could out of a small paycheck.  Was this really how we were all supposed to live?  Hoping for more hours, checking out the pay at the store next door, and taking on second or third jobs just to get by is not how anyone should have to live.

I remember being asked for a doctor’s note because I was out sick for three days with a debilitating migraine while working retail.  I went back to work without it, prepared to be fired, and told my boss I couldn’t give her a doctor’s note because I couldn’t afford to go to a doctor.  I couldn’t afford to see a doctor in the first place to get medicine that would have prevented my absence, nor would I have the money to pay to fill the prescription.  I didn’t get fired.  I was told I should buy health insurance, with the assumption I could afford such an expense.

That was not how I thought I’d be living at that age.  It has made me grateful for what I have now, including money in the bank, health insurance, and a steady paycheck.  It put me behind on savings, retirement investments, and any other preparation for my future, which I will be paying for in the years to come.  A real living wage could have made all the difference in my early adult life, and today.  I may not feel so far behind, and I may have been able to do more than just barely scrape by then.

*Photo Credit: By bgottsab via Creative Commons license.

Here we are in the 21^st century – having come so far since the initial start of the women’s movement decades ago.  All this advancement, opportunity and new frontiers to take on and we’re still fighting to get women on corporate boards.  In case you’ve been living under a rock – or really don’t pay attention to news in the social media in the business world – here is an update: people are furious with Facebook!

Yes, again Facebook has managed to tick off a huge chunk of their users.  Women make up about 55% of Facebook users.  I have always been impressed with the number of women in top positions within the company, foolishly owing that to the progressive, gender neutral thinking of a Gen Y man running the whole thing, even if it partly was a nod to the high number of female users.  Then the news comes, Facebook’s corporate board make up, done in preparation for the company to go public, likely next month, will be all white, and all male.

The corporate board is one major glass ceiling left to break through.  Aside from the lack of women in elected office and the need to break through the executive positions still, board positions still show a huge gender gap.  Last year 24 women were added to Fortune 500 boards.  Alice Buttrick pointed out earlier this week in Forbes Women that it will take 40 years for women to end up with a third of the board positions if we continue at the same rate.

Besides the frightening thought that forty years from we will still be fighting the same equality battles we are now, here is why women should be concerned with this move:

1. Women make up 56% of Facebook users.
2. Women have 55% more posts on their Facebook walls than men.
3. Women over age 55 are the fastest growing demographic on Facebook.
4. Women make up 69% of all Facebook gamers.

Need some other reasons women are need of equality in general?

1. Women earn more college and masters degrees than men.
2. Women earn less than men in 99% of occupations.
3. Women comprise 46% of the workforce  (Shouldn’t we have 46% of the executive and board positions?)

Clearly we’re not all going to stop using Facebook, and the company knows that.  However, as was pointed out the other day on Huffington Post, excluding women is just bad business, especially when women are the largest source of revenue for Facebook.  Carol Pierson Holding, in the Huffington Post asks, “Wouldn’t a female board member be first to recognize ideas that appeal to the company’s largest group of users? To avoid behaviors that might alienate women?”  One woman is a start, though I hope to see women accurately represented on the board in comparison to their user share.

The good news is that there is something you can do about this that does not involve boycotting Facebook.  On Sunday I ran across an online petition from Ultra Violet, who is campaigning to get a woman on the board of Facebook.  I signed the petition.  Now it’s your turn.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  After an active year of stories about rape, domestic violence and slut shaming victims, I thought a reminder would be helpful.  Being the data nerd I am my first look was for statistics.  According to RAINN 44% of sexual assault victims are under age 18 and 80% are under age 30.

This is not just a young woman’s issue – it’s an everyone issue.  But the number of young women who are victims is staggering.  In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month Fem2.0 will be sharing statistics, help lines, and how to get involved.

An excellent way to start the fight is to ask your Senators to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.  Along the way in the War on Women this crucial bill has been pulled into the fight.  Women’s safety and well being should not be a partisan issue.

Join an event like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s #TweetAboutIt! Tuesdays, National Denim Day, 10 Points of Light, or a local Take Back the Night event.  No matter what you do, the important thing is to do it – don’t just sit on the sidelines.  Tweet us and tell us what you’re doing to take a stand against Sexual Assault and Violence!

Resources

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

RAINN

Rape Crisis Network Europe – Find help near you!

Hotlines

Australia: 1800-737-732

England & Wales: 0808 802 9999

United States National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

There are approximately 207,754 victims of sexual assault each year.  It’s time everyone had access to help to survive. 

*Photo via Creative Common License Flickr User: Steve Rhodes

If you are preparing to graduate college in another month or so, you probably have more on your mind that just your finals.  Figuring the career world, finding your way through interviews, moving – sometimes back in with parents can all be daunting and stressful.  Here are some tips to keep in the back of your mind as you start the job hunt or evaluate job offers:

1.  The economy is bad for just about everyone.  Don’t get deterred if your dream job isn’t coming through.  There are plenty of entry level jobs.
2. Your dream job likely won’t be your first job.  Most college degrees are pretty general.  What most entry level jobs are looking for it someone with a degree who can write, file, email and act professionally.
3. Keep your salary expectations in check.  Between a tough economy and entry level jobs your first salary may be disappointing or it may seem like a lot of money.  Look at what entry level pay is for various jobs you are qualified for, how much housing costs in the area, and be prepared to make some quick budgets. Make sure you can at least pay your bills and put something away – even if its $20.
4. This is your opportunity to figure out what it is you want to do with your life.  Take advantage of it.  If you know the industry you want to work in, find a way in and work hard.  It will help to pave the way if you want to change departments, move up or change industries entirely.
5. This will not be a job you stay in forever or even for a few years likely.  Get everything you can out of it, and figure out what you can add to it.  When you move you want to be able to show you created something new – even if it was creating a new filing system.
6. Be prepared to work on someone else’s schedule.  College allows you to build your own schedule for the most part – taking classes just in the afternoon or on certain days.  The real world does not function this way.  Whether you are in an office, working retail or waiting tables, you will need to be flexible.
7. Act professional.  If you are unsure of dress codes, hours, water cooler chat schedules, ask questions and take some time to figure it out.

The tasks may not seem interesting and hands on projects as students are often more fascinating.  Prove yourself and you’ll get to that point.

I also recommend look back at posts we have done on networking, informational interviews, interviews and the first day on the job for additional tips.

*Photo Credit CR Artist via Creative Commons License

Jimmy Carter: feminist.  While I have many reasons for being a fan of the 39^th President, I gained another this week, and not one I fully expected.  The former president has parted ways with the Southern Baptist Church over their treatment of women. 

We have been hearing for awhile now about the church prohibiting women from being ordained.  It was this and the continued insistence that women be subservient to their husbands.  That last part is from the Bible – and was brought up in an episode of The West Wing.  I admire Carter for staying there knowing there is disagreement, and working to change the Church.  He has stood up for women when we seem to still be finding out feet to speak out for ourselves.

Carter has put himself out there in the last few years, speaking up for marriage equality, the environment and women.   His battle with the Church over women began years ago, which he shared in detail in an essay in The Age, where he says:

At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.

Carter has a way with words that makes you want to take action.  He makes you want to know more.  And reading an old essay fired me up!  After months of reading about the War on Women, the lack of women in STEM careers or public office, the constant battle to close the pay gap, and the fight in Congress to get the Violence Against Women Act reauthorized, I was worth out, and tired of fighting.

While his words have fired me up, I know it’s important to look more broadly at the root of these issues.  Change is possible, despite having been set up to accept these issues as a part of life.  These are battles we have been fighting forever though.

I’m not really one to ask about religious topics, and speak with no authority or great knowledge. However I do believe anything written that long ago needs to be taken with a grain of salt, and acknowledge that our modern world could never have been imagine, nor could the way the human race and society has advanced.  We can no longer expect to people to go along with these views, despite their personal belief to the contrary.  I admire Carter for standing up to an organization he has been heavily involved with and a part of for more of his life.

I also admire him for sharing his feelings so broadly, and looking at the world as a whole, and regions and religions differently.  His comparisons among them should help you see how we got to where we are today.  Carter goes on in the essay to say:

                              The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in the West. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.

His knowledge of history is makes the most important point in this battle of all.  “During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets,” and yet today we do not qualify.

This may not start a fire under you about women’s role in religion in this country, but I hope it gets you thinking about that issue you do care about, that may be (most likely is) under attack right now.  It’s time we qualify to live lives equal to men.

*Photo via Creative Commons License by Talk News Radio