I loved the passion of this piece and the intergenerational element. You did not sugar coat what women have been through. You kept your eye on the prize and passed it along. Thank you.
I like the way in which you are personal and focused in you piece, particularly with the timelines. I can situate myself with these references and it is fair to say that I was vaguely supportive but oblivious to the details. And the out of country circumstances contribute to the disconnect. I hope with time I have caught up and can at least claim to be an supporter, but that is not for me to say.a
I think I may be a feminist too. Having never experienced the reality of the woman's experience with fertility, pregnancy and childbirth, I can't imagine having or expressing an opinion on the topic of a woman's right to choose. Having worked with both men and women in positions of authority, I am impressed by the innate tendency of women to collaborate, which is NOT a sign of weakness in leadership. My own opinion, after a couple of decades as a designated "leader" is that leading from behind is the best position, allowing team members to function at the limits of their credentials and to be mutually responsible to one another for outcomes. The leader is more like a symphony conductor or coach, one who facilitates the team's performance. I think women are innately better at that than men, who are more likely learn it after experiencing failure of the alpha-male approach to leadership. Now and again I allow myself a brief flight of fancy imagining what it would feel like to have a highly experienced woman of color sitting in the Oval Office today. The entire world would feel different, I think.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Just Sayin.' Sadly, the US missed an opportunity to have a woman win the presidency in 2024. The whole world is paying the price for that.
Thank you Paula for your personal story of the struggle it has taken generations of activists to win basic human rights for women and minorities. And how it can all be lost in a vote. We expected the trajectory to continue. Sadly we miscalculated and must now work even harder to reverse the backsliding, as you said, to the Middle Ages.
I've been a feminist since I left home at age 16, because I wouldn't obey the rules, like not going out without wearing a bra. I read about Women's Lib and I wanted to be part of it.
Great piece. Americans often know so little about rights or lack thereof in other countries which seem so similar to ours. Now, they watch as number 47 and his cronies work to roll back rights of women, gays, immigrants, poor, etc.
On Instagram and TikTok, I see young women, with too-full pursed lips and seductive poses, pouting in a selfie hoping for 'likes'. Instead, they might do well to heed your warning, Paula, (and those of our 'Considerable Age' generation) to stand resolute in front of a camera, fist in the air.
Paula it is extraordinary to me that the history of struggle gets taken for granted and gradually forgotten, and then we have to start all over again. I really thought that this world would always move forward. Now I know that only happens when we remain vigilant and continue to do as you have done - to as the song recommends, “teach our children well”.
Thank you for your writing. I stand in solidarity with you t👀as we fight for feminine and equality for all. I live in the US. The struggle is real. I love Toronto. I hope to read more of your works. Wishing the best in your journey to spread the word about FEMINISM and how it’s “fucking” worth standing up for. 💙
I loved the passion of this piece and the intergenerational element. You did not sugar coat what women have been through. You kept your eye on the prize and passed it along. Thank you.
I like the way in which you are personal and focused in you piece, particularly with the timelines. I can situate myself with these references and it is fair to say that I was vaguely supportive but oblivious to the details. And the out of country circumstances contribute to the disconnect. I hope with time I have caught up and can at least claim to be an supporter, but that is not for me to say.a
I think I may be a feminist too. Having never experienced the reality of the woman's experience with fertility, pregnancy and childbirth, I can't imagine having or expressing an opinion on the topic of a woman's right to choose. Having worked with both men and women in positions of authority, I am impressed by the innate tendency of women to collaborate, which is NOT a sign of weakness in leadership. My own opinion, after a couple of decades as a designated "leader" is that leading from behind is the best position, allowing team members to function at the limits of their credentials and to be mutually responsible to one another for outcomes. The leader is more like a symphony conductor or coach, one who facilitates the team's performance. I think women are innately better at that than men, who are more likely learn it after experiencing failure of the alpha-male approach to leadership. Now and again I allow myself a brief flight of fancy imagining what it would feel like to have a highly experienced woman of color sitting in the Oval Office today. The entire world would feel different, I think.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Just Sayin.' Sadly, the US missed an opportunity to have a woman win the presidency in 2024. The whole world is paying the price for that.
Thanks for the powerful reminder of the depths of where we've been ...and how much work is still left to do. Excellent article, Paula!
Thank you Paula for your personal story of the struggle it has taken generations of activists to win basic human rights for women and minorities. And how it can all be lost in a vote. We expected the trajectory to continue. Sadly we miscalculated and must now work even harder to reverse the backsliding, as you said, to the Middle Ages.
Loud and proud!
Tribute to the mothers and daughters all around the globe!
I've been a feminist since I left home at age 16, because I wouldn't obey the rules, like not going out without wearing a bra. I read about Women's Lib and I wanted to be part of it.
A powerful and timely piece. Thank you, Paula!
Thank you. Paula, for this important reminder of what is important and how our rights are hard won and and must be protected. Nothing is guaranteed.
Great piece. Americans often know so little about rights or lack thereof in other countries which seem so similar to ours. Now, they watch as number 47 and his cronies work to roll back rights of women, gays, immigrants, poor, etc.
We will not stop fighting.
Critical reading - I’ll be forwarding this over and over. thank you Paula.
Brilliant! Thank you, Paula.
On Instagram and TikTok, I see young women, with too-full pursed lips and seductive poses, pouting in a selfie hoping for 'likes'. Instead, they might do well to heed your warning, Paula, (and those of our 'Considerable Age' generation) to stand resolute in front of a camera, fist in the air.
Paula it is extraordinary to me that the history of struggle gets taken for granted and gradually forgotten, and then we have to start all over again. I really thought that this world would always move forward. Now I know that only happens when we remain vigilant and continue to do as you have done - to as the song recommends, “teach our children well”.
A powerful piece...inspiring and uplifting story. Thank you, Paula.
Thank you for your writing. I stand in solidarity with you t👀as we fight for feminine and equality for all. I live in the US. The struggle is real. I love Toronto. I hope to read more of your works. Wishing the best in your journey to spread the word about FEMINISM and how it’s “fucking” worth standing up for. 💙