A belated wish for all TPWers for an enduring and happy International Women’s Day.
May we all continue to stride ahead – but let’s also remember those women who fought
for the rights we may not think about on a regular basis. For example, when you last
voted, during the recent mayoralty election for example, did you walk out of the polling
station thinking “Wow! I just did something my grandmother only dreamed of doing!”
Probably not, because it is something we now take for granted.
When did you last use your credit card? Did you think about the fact that you are now
able to get credit without having a father or husband co-sign the application? If you are
my age, you might remember that being the only way to get your own card.
What is your surname? Is it the name your parents gave you, a name you chose, or did
you take your spouse’s name – automatically upon marriage? Now you need to go
through a process if you want to take your spouse’s name. It is no longer assumed that
all women will marry, take their spouse’s name, that their children will have their father’s
name, and that, if the family separates, the man retains control of children and property.
In 1974, the federal Status of Women Amendment Act removed discriminatory
provisions in immigration, pensions, unemployment insurance, elections, and
citizenship. It has only been 50 years, but a lot has changed. Is everything perfectly
equitable now? Certainly not. There is a great deal we need to work toward, but on
March 8 we celebrate how far we have come, all of the women who fought for us, and
those who will never give up.
