Why We’re Still Fighting for the Equal Rights Amendment
October 09, 2024
at a 1971 National Women’s Political Caucus Meeting
Bottom picture: Ellie Smeal talking at a rally for the ERA in Detroit in 1980
We want to share with you this LA Times OpEd by our Board Member Gloria Steinem and Coalition Member Ellie Smeal, of the Feminist Majority, on "Mrs. America."
They were both there at the crucial moments of the ERA, and we are so grateful for their contributions. This honest commentary highlights how social change needs to happen but is co-opted by how Hollywood decides to portray what sells instead of the truth of lived reality.
Please share with your networks and encourage a donation to the ERA Coalition.
"Steinem and Smeal: Why 'Mrs. America' is bad for American women"
Two years ago, I, Gloria, was sent two sample scripts for “Mrs. America,” a television series about the struggle to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. Its coproducers, Stacey Sher and Coco Francini, said the project was already green-lighted by FX, and asked if I was interested in being involved.
I read the scripts and discovered that the whole premise was very wrong.
You can read the full Op-Ed here.
"I don’t think viewers would be unreasonable in expecting that, say, 10% of all profits from “Mrs. America” be contributed to the ERA Coalition, with its more than 100 national and local organizations still struggling to join every other democracy in the world by including in our Constitution the equality of girls and women, boys and men."
Another step forward for equality. Please join the call for support!
In Solidarity,
Carol Jenkins
Co-President and CEO
ERA Coalition and the Fund for Women's Equality
Please consider making a donation today to help us continue our work towards equality for all.
