Women’s Rights.

The very words “Women’s Rights” seem strident.  Very 60’s and 70’s.   Political.   Divisive.

How about “Women’s Issues?   Better, softer maybe, but “Women’s Issues” are, in fact, everyone’s issues.

Regardless of the wording, I deeply care about women’s “issues” and  “rights.”

Many years ago, back in the 60’s and70’s, I was a self-declared “feminist.”   If anyone addressed me as Mrs. instead of Ms., I took offense.   I worked, happily, and for very little salary, on behalf of women’s rights and issues in the workplace.

And I loved it.

At a  recent seminar, I spied a sign-up sheet for a “women’s rights” group.   I put my name right on that list.  Quick like a bunny.

The first gathering was called.  We listed the concerns that we hoped to address and support through our efforts and interests.  There was enthusiasm and hope.

It wasn’t until I got home, had a glass of wine and looked at my notes, that I realized that the list of issues and hoped-for-rights, was exactly, almost to a word, the same as it had been in the 60’s and 70’s, when I was so intensely involved and committed.

My energy for that level of involvement and commitment is not the same as it was over 40 years ago.  I think that’s both understandable and acceptable.

What’s not understandable or acceptable is, that after 40 years, that list is still the same.