The political progress women have made — and what's next | Cecile Richards

Summary

The speaker passionately advocates for a women's political revolution to achieve true equality, highlighting the progress women have made and the systemic barriers they still face. Emphasizing the importance of women's representation in government, she calls for intersectional and intergenerational solidarity, urging women to take active roles in politics and leadership. She celebrates the resilience and impact of women globally, from grassroots activism to running for office, and outlines strategies for sustaining the momentum for change.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Women in the United States won the right to vote nearly a century ago, but it took longer for women of color to gain this right, and the struggle for true equality continues.
• 🌐 The speaker argues for a global desire among women for full equality, not just in the U.S., but worldwide, and the need to move beyond being an afterthought in institutions.
• 🏛 Women are advocating for a political revolution to reshape the future on their own terms, rather than retrofitting into systems designed by and for men.
• 👏 The speaker highlights the importance of women's resilience and their role in building a better future for generations, emphasizing the progress made despite limited political power.
• 👶 The story of the speaker's grandmother illustrates the strength and independence of women, setting the stage for the achievements of later generations.
• 🎓 Women have made significant strides in education and the workforce, with equal representation in colleges and professional fields, and are increasingly contributing to the economy.
• 🏦 The lack of women's representation in government is highlighted by the photograph of male leaders drafting healthcare reform, leading to the exclusion of maternity benefits.
• 📊 The U.S. ranks 104th in women's political representation, which may explain the lack of policies supporting women, such as paid family leave and addressing maternal mortality rates.
• 💰 The gender pay gap persists in the U.S., with women, on average, making 80 cents to the dollar that men make, and even less for women of color.
• 🌈 The speaker calls for a women's political revolution that is inclusive of all women, regardless of race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and political beliefs.
• 🔥 Women worldwide are mobilizing for change, challenging the status quo, and demonstrating their power as a political force, from grassroots movements to running for office.

Q & A

What significant event for women's rights occurred nearly 100 years ago in the United States?

Nearly 100 years ago, most women in the United States won the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the women's rights movement.

How long did it take for women of color to earn the right to vote after the initial victory for women's suffrage?

It took decades more for women of color to earn the right to vote after the initial victory for women's suffrage.

What does the speaker argue is the primary desire of women today globally?

The speaker argues that the primary desire of women today, globally, is to achieve true and full equality and no longer be an afterthought in institutions and governments.

What does the speaker believe is necessary for achieving full equality for women?

The speaker believes that a women's political revolution for full equality is necessary, across race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and political labels.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of women being present at decision-making tables?

The speaker emphasizes that if women are not at the decision-making tables, they are on the menu, highlighting the importance of women's presence in shaping policies and decisions.

What historical event in the speaker's family is mentioned to illustrate women's resilience?

The speaker shares the story of her grandmother giving birth at home and killing a chicken for dinner during labor, illustrating women's resilience and capability.

How did the speaker's mother, Ann Richards, make history in Texas?

Ann Richards made history by being elected as the first woman governor of Texas in her own right, just two generations after her own grandmother couldn't vote.

What is the current ranking of the United States in terms of women's representation in office among all countries?

The United States ranks 104th in women's representation in office, according to recent research.

What is the average gender pay gap in the United States, and how does it vary for different racial groups?

On average, women in the United States make 80 cents to the dollar that a man makes. For African American women, it's 63 cents, and for Latinas, it's 54 cents.

What innovative idea did women in the UK implement to highlight the impact of the gender pay gap?

Women in the UK implemented an out-of-office email memo from November 10 to the end of the year to symbolize the weeks they were effectively working without pay due to the gender pay gap.

How does the speaker suggest women can build a political revolution for full equality?

The speaker suggests that women should be loud and proud about what they are for, support each other across differences, vote in every election, take initiative in solving problems, and invest in women as candidates and leaders.