Women's Equality Day

What We Need is a Women’s Revanchinst Revolution

We are fast approaching Women’s Equality Day (notice I did not say approaching equality for women). The current political agenda of warfare against women is especially evident in the latest Georgia redistricting maps.

There was a time when our perennial legislative battles were to gain new ground – hard to believe that we now view that time as the good ole days. Most recently, the whole of our legislative efforts have been directed to just holding the line, while the Georgia legislature continues to chip and hack away at past gains for women’s issues and rights.

I should point out that Georgia is blessed with an abundance of progressive and sympathetic men. However, down at the Capitol, they are rare as hen’s teeth. With seemingly careless disregard, our legislators at the Capitol have de-funded programs for women and children. They have degraded health mandates for women that were hard won, but now wiped out with the stroke of a pen. They are slowly and systematically killing public education by “death of a thousand cuts.”  And yes, through redistricting, they are attempting to deny us the ability to elect someone who will represent our voices at the table.

But let us be clear – they will never defeat us.

Our foremothers – those brave, heroic and determined suffragettes – were mocked, humiliated, beaten, starved, jailed and force-fed, but they soldiered on. Shoulder-to-shoulder in sister solidarity, they linked arms and hearts in a cause that was right and just.

Who would have thought that today – more than 100 years later – we would still be in this battle.

And so, to those poor misguided misogynistic legislators under the Gold Dome, who continue to spew forth anti- women and children legislation, please know this:

We will not stand down. We will stand up.
We will not go back. We will fight back.
We will not be powered down. We will power up.

Friday, August 26, marks the 91st anniversary of the Woman Suffrage Movement's great victory in 1920 – ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. This historic date is celebrated annually as Women's Equality Day.
Woody Allen once said, “Ninety percent of life is just showing up.” So please show up at the Georgia State Capitol to reaffirm your steadfast commitment to women’s equality, and to honor our tenacious and courageous foremothers, the suffragettes. Please urge your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to attend.

You Are Invited to Celebrate the Right to Vote

Women’s Equality Day
Friday, August 26
Georgia State Capitol
Second Floor South Wing
Refreshments 11:45am   Program Noon

Co-Hosts
Georgia Women of Achievement
Georgia Federation of Democratic Women
League of Women Voters of Georgia
Women for Change

There are several parking lots and decks near the capitol, including the Underground’s parking deck. The best option is MARTA, exit at Georgia State station and the Capitol is across the street.