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.