Qandeel Baloch: 'She was a girl just like you'

From:  BBC

NOTE - Read "The Alphabet Versus the Goddess" by Leonard Shlain for the neurological explanation of the way violence is used to keep women in slavery through history.

 

By Saba Eitizaz  

BBC Urdu

 

Qandeel Baloch at a press conference in Lahore, just weeks before she was murdered

In a lower middle class neighbourhood of Multan, among a row of dilapidated houses, one dwelling stands out. 

It's the one Qandeel Baloch rented for her parents. And this is where she died.
Inside, the walls are faded, the furniture is scarce. An old, disabled man is sobbing uncontrollably.
 
Qandeel's father Muhammad Azeem is grieving the death of his favourite daughter, allegedly at the hands of his own son, in the name of honour.MORE
 

NJ Lawmaker Urges Congress To Posthumously Honor Ridgefield Suffragist

From:  Daily Voice

by Kathy Reakes  
07/16/2016  

Sen. Diane Allen is sponsoring a resolution that urges Congress to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to New Jersey native Alice Paul. Photo Credit: Wikipedia.commons

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. -- The fight for women's rights is almost as old as our country. But the women who led the way and are still doing so, aren't always recognized for their accomplishments. 

That's why New Jersey state Sen. Diane Allen (R-Burlington) is urging Congress to recognize women's rights heroine the late Alice Paul, a New Jersey native and longtime Ridgefield resident . 

Allen is sponsoring a resolution -- that just passed the New Jersey Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee -- to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Paul in recognition of her role in leading the women’s suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women. MORE

Quincy girls in middle school class are on an equal-rights mission

From: The Patriot Ledger

Six seventh-graders from Quincy's Broad Meadows Middle School are trying to get the federal Equal Rights Amendment on track for passage again. From left are Ilkim Gumus, Alessia Mochi, Julianne Sheehan, Veronica Bentley, Grace Akkara and Eleanor Anderson. The photo was taken on Monday, June 13, 2016.

By Jessica Trufant

The Patriot Ledger

Posted Jun. 17, 2016 at 9:50 PM
Updated Jun 19, 2016 at 10:41 AM

QUINCY – Broad Meadows Middle School teacher Ron Adams showed his seventh-graders a documentary on suffragette Alice Paul and her fight for equal rights for women.

At the end of the documentary, students learned that the states never ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, which Paul introduced in 1923 and Congress approved in 1972. To this day, the U.S. Constitution does not protect women from discrimination based on sex.

That didn’t sit well with some of the seventh-grade girls in Adams’s English language arts class. MORE

BREAKING: Americans--by 94%-- Overwhelmingly Support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

From:  PR NewsWire

Actress Patricia Arquette to testify on the ERA at the DNC Platform Committee hearing in Phoenix, Arizona on June 18 

Jun 17, 2016, 10:03 ET from ERA Coalition

NEW YORK, June 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the ERA Coalition/ Fund for Women's Equality released a poll finding near-universal support for amending the United States Constitution to include protections for women. The ERA is a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would expressly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. 

80% of those polled mistakenly believe that men and women are already guaranteed equal rights in the U.S. Constitution.  As the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia stated: "Certainly the Constitution does not require discrimination on the basis of sex. The only issue is whether it prohibits it. It doesn't." 

 Patricia Arquette, an activist for women's equality and committed ERA supporter, will testify in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at a DNC Platform Committee hearing, where she will urge the party to make the ERA a priority. "All of the things we want for women, including equal pay and effective legal recourse for gender-based violence, are in the ERA," Arquette says. "This polling shows the country is with us—we need Congress to catch up." MORE

 

Dreams of equality for Catholic women

From:  National Catholic Reporter

by Maureen Fiedler  |  Jun. 10, 2016 NCR Today

On Tuesday evening, I invited some neighbors to my house to celebrate an historic event. It was the moment that the first woman had earned nomination as the U.S. presidential candidate of a major political party. Her name is, of course, Hillary Clinton.

However one regards Hillary politically, this was an historic evening… one more glass ceiling was shattered -- and it is a significant glass ceiling.

I've spent a lot of energy in my life working for gender equality: especially the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and women's ordination in the Catholic church, so when any movement in the direction of gender equality takes place, it's cause for celebration.  MORE

Charlotte Anderson, Hillsborough judge and equal rights activist, dies at 72

From:  Tampa Bay Times 

Anna M. Phillips, Times Staff Writer

Retired Hillsborough Circuit Judge Charlotte Anderson, left, appears with Ms. magazine founder, author and activist Gloria Steinem in 2015 at the first Helen Gordon Davis Waves of Change Luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore. Anderson, who helped create a division dedicated solely to victims of domestic violence, died last month at the age of 72. [JAMES BORCHUCK | TIMES]

TAMPA — Charlotte Anderson, a former Hillsborough County judge who helped create a division dedicated solely to victims of domestic violence, died last month at age 72.

 Elected to the bench in 1994, Ms. Anderson presided over domestic violence cases, as well as run-of-the-mill civil suits, for 15 years. She was well-known as a champion of many causes, from women's rights to antidiscrimination protections for gays and lesbians, and a fixture in local Democratic Party politics.

"She was a real pioneer as a woman's activist," said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida, an LGBT advocacy group. "To have somebody of her profile be visibly supporting our work at a time when there weren't a whole lot of people racing to stand up really mattered."  MORE

From:  Bangor Daily News 

By Posie Cowan, Special to the BDN

Posie Cowan'’s great-grandmother Sophie Meredith is pictured to the far left in this 1915 photo, which was taken the day she established the Virginia branch of the National Woman’s Party. Cowan, of Blue Hill, has continued her great-grandmother's efforts in her support for an Equal Rights Amendment.
Did you know that 80 percent of Americans do not know that the Equal Rights Amendment was never ratified by the required 38 states in the 1980s? As a result, it never became a constitutional amendment, which means women in the U.S. are not protected from discrimination on the basis of sex.

There have been some laws passed to address issues like equal pay and pregnancy discrimination, but businesses have found loopholes in them. In addition, these laws could be rolled back or revoked at any time by a simple majority in Congress.

Women still only make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. Why aren’t there more women and men lobbying for an Equal Rights Amendment since most Americans support an Equal Rights Amendment? It would increase joint income for families, and single women would also benefit.  MORE

Inventions by women!

CELEBRATING WOMEN

 

 

The Car Heater

We all owe our thanks to Margaret A Wilcox who invented the car heater in 1893!
(Margaret also invented a combined clothes and dishwasher)

Monopoly

This popular board game was designed by Elizabeth Magie in 1904, originally
called the Landlord’s Game. The purpose of this game was to expose the injustices
of unchecked capitalism. Her game was ripped off by Charles Darrow who sold it to
Parker Brother’s 30 years later. However, Parker Brothers later paid Elizabeth $500
for her game. Gee Thanks!

The Fire Escape

The fire escape was invented by Anna Connelly in 1887.

The Life Raft

The life saving Life Raft was invented by Maria Beasely in 1882.
(Maria also invented a machine that makes barrels)

Residential Solar Heating

Solar heating for residential housing was invented by Dr. Maria
Telkes in 1947. Dr. Telkes was a Psychiatrist in addition to being
a Solar-Power Pioneer.

The Medical Syringe

The medical syringe which could be operated with only one hand
was invented by a woman by the name of Letitia Geer in 1899

The Electric Refrigerator

The electric refrigerator was invented by Florence Parpart in 1914.
(Florence also invented an improved street cleaning machine in
addition to the refrigerator)

The Ice Cream Maker

The ice cream maker was invented by a woman named Nancy
Johnson in 1843. Her patented design is still used today!

The Computer Algorithm

Ada Lovelace is essentially the first computer programmer due to her
work with Charles Babbage at the University of London in 1842.
In fact her notes was an essential key to helping Alan Turing’s work
on the first modern computers in the 1940s.

Telecommunications Technology

Some of the Telecommunication Technology developed by Dr. Shirley
Jackson include portable fax, touch tone telephone, solar cells, fibre optic
cables, and the technology behind caller ID and call waiting.

The Dishwasher

The Dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochrane in 1887. Before her time,
she even marketed her machine to hotel owners and even opened her own factory
without the help of a man!

Wireless Transmission Technology

Hedy Lamarr, a world famous film star, invented a secret communication
system during World War II for radio-controlling torpedoes. This Technology
also paved the way for everything from Wi-Fi to GPS

Closed-Circuit Television Security (CCTV)

Marie Van Brittan Brown invented CCTV because of the slow response
of police officers in 1969 to help people ensure their own security.
This invention influenced modern CCTV systems used for home security
and police work today.

The Modern Paper Bag

Margaret Knight invented a machine that makes square bottomed paper
bags in 1871. She almost didn’t get credit when Charles Anan tried to steal
her work claiming that it wasn’t possible for a woman to create this brilliant
invention. (Margaret also invented a safety device for cotton mills when she
was 12. That invention is still being used today)

Central Heating

Although Alice Parker’s invention in 1919 of a gas powered central heater was
never manufactured. Her idea was the first that allowed for using natural gas
to heat a home, inspiring the central heating systems used today

Kevlar

This life-saving material, that is 5 times stronger than steel and used to make
bulletproof vests, was invented in 1965 by Stephanie Kwolek.

Computer Software

Dr. Grace Murray Hopper was a computer scientist that invented COBOL
which is the first user-friendly business computer software system in the 1940’s.
She was also a rear admiral in the U.S. navy and the first person to use the term
“bug” in reference to a glitch in a computer system when she literally found a bug
(moth) causing problems with her computer.

It’s time Arizona recognizes equal rights for women

From:  Arizona Capitol News 

By: Guest Opinion  

January 21, 2016 , 5:30 pm

Most Americans have heard of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). What most Americans do not realize is that the ERA did not pass and is not a part of the U.S. Constitution. How can this be when between 91 percent to 96 percent of American adults polled believe that men and women should have equal rights, and 72 percent already think that men and women have equal rights guaranteed by the Constitution (ERA Survey)? How can this be when the U.S. imposed the ERA language on other countries in 1945 and encouraged it in its foreign assistance in all the former Soviet Union countries in the 1990s? How can this be when the Republicans were the first to endorse the ERA in the party platform in the 1940s with the Democrats shortly following suit?

Kaitlin Ford

Yet it remains that America is one of few countries that does not guarantee women equal protection of rights under the Constitution. In fact, corporations received equal rights under the 14^th Amendment before women did. U.S. Supreme Court justices have made it clear that the Constitution does not prohibit discrimination based on sex. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “If I could choose an amendment to add to the Constitution, it would be the Equal Rights Amendment. I think we have achieved that through legislation, but legislation can be repealed, it can be altered. So I would like my granddaughters, when they pick up the Constitution, to see that notion — that women and men are persons of equal stature — I’d like them to see that is a basic principle of our society.”
The ERA was born in 1923 after women won the right to vote. It was introduced every year in Congress until finally, in 1972, the ERA was passed by Congress and by 1984 ratified by 35 states of the 38 needed. The ERA is the only proposed amendment that had an expiration date on it – a practice many challenge. Since then, it continues to be introduced in Congress every year and a new movement has arisen to see it passed by 2020 because there still is an urgent need for the ERA in today’s society.

Read more: http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2016/01/21/its-time-arizona-recognizes-equal-rights-for-women/#ixzz3y9Lsm29R

Alice Paul Google Doodle Marks 131st Birthday Of The American Suffragist & ERA Activist

From:  Search Engine Land 

Amy Gesenhues on January 11, 2016 at 8:15 am 

 

Today’s Google Doodle honors Alice Paul, the American suffragist who played an integral role in getting the 19th Amendment passed, giving women the right to vote, and was the original force behind the Equal Rights Amendment.

Joining the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) in 1912, Paul dedicated her life to women’s rights. She led the Washington, DC chapter of the organization and was the first to organize groups that picketed the White House.

During Woodrow Wilson’s term, Paul founded the National Women’s Party. She and her “Silent Sentinels” demonstrated in front of the White House, marching day and night while holding banners asking questions like, “Mr. President, how long must women wait for liberty?”  MORE

Humor For Good: A Night Of Comedy With Jane Fonda

From:  Forbes

Liza Donnelly ,Contributor

Legendary actor Jane Fonda is funny. This may be something we forget, because most of her work has been quite serious.  In the films Cat Ballou and  9 To 5,  her comedic acting was in full force; and most recently, she shares top billing with Lily Tomlin in the terrific new TV comedy, Grace and Frankie.  Ms. Fonda can be very funny.

Laughter is a great way to bring people together to understand serious topics. This month, Fonda is combining the serious with the funny. Fonda is hosting a night of comedy at the renowned comedy club, Caroline’s On Broadway,  and doing so for a good cause.  The Fund for Women’s Equality and the ERA Coalition today announced their inaugural “A Night of Comedy with Jane Fonda” comedy event at Caroline’s on Broadway on Sunday, February 7. The evening will include performances from Judah Friedlander (30 Rock), Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live), Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show), Michelle Buteau (Key & Peele and The Eric Andre Show), Gina Brillon (White Guy Talk Show) and additional names to be announced.

Photo by Tony Duran

The inaugural event, produced by writer, filmmaker and activist Agunda Okeyo, will bring together supporters of women’s rights and equality, including Gloria Steinem, plus some comic relief. As a New Yorker of Kenyan descent lauded for her ongoing Broadway showcase “Sisters of Comedy”, Okeyo produces with a unique appreciation for humor, solidarity and social change.  MORE