As Gloria Steinem once said, “The Equal Rights Amendment is simple. It affirms that women have the same rights as men under the Constitution.” While the recent four-day art installation and activation – DENDROFEMONOLOGY: A Feminist History Tree Ring – brought the historical fight for women’s equality to the forefront, the evolution of the Equal Rights Amendment was central to the conversation, and the event marked the beginning of a partnership between the ERA Coalition and Women Connect4Good.
The ERA Coalition is a movement of movements, comprised of nearly 300 partner organizations across the country, representing 80 million people. From gender, racial, economic, and reproductive justice to LGBTQ+ rights, the organization brings together interconnected, intergenerational, and intersectional organizations under one banner to advance gender equality.
In the past year, with the growing visibility for the Coalition’s work and interest in participation, the organization has increased from just over 100 partners to nearly 300 across social justice movements: 186 of which focus at the national level, 86 at the state level, and 7 international, with new partners added each month.
In addition to growing the Coalition, the organization has focused on strengthening and centering partners, including intergenerational leaders in gender, reproductive, racial and economic justice, labor rights, gender-based violence and related issues (reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues, pregnancy discrimination, pay equity, paid family leave, democracy building, voting rights, youth and faith-based groups). Building intersectional bridges brings partners together to develop national, state, and local strategies to advance equality. The Coalition expands capacity through providing resources, training, and technical assistance in areas such as communications, social media, and legislative outreach for partners, and works as a catalyst to attract greater financial resources to support their partners to allow everyone to have a place at the table.
“Partnering with the ERA Coalition at this pivotal time makes perfect sense. Their work is foundational, and they bring the best of the best supporters and organizations together to work for equality at every level,” Dr. Nancy said. “They realize that we’re in this together, and together we can push forward and see the ERA published. That’s the only way true equality will happen.”
“Equality under the law is empowering, for all of us. It gives us the strength we need to take up space, stand our ground, use our voices – and win – in a world that doesn’t listen to or support us and often tries to push us down,” she added. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the fight for human rights does not travel in a straight line or at a consistent pace, which is why we have our work cut out for us, and why this connection and partnership is so important.”
In addition to the tours, film screenings, a Feminist Art Parade, and an Interfaith Shabbat Candle Lighting to celebrate women’s empowerment, the ERA Coalition hosted an in-person convening for partner organizations on Friday.
“Each new relationship provides access to new ideas, resources, and expertise, and expands opportunities for EVERYONE. Connections matter,” Dr. Nancy said. “As we unite, we engage our superpowers and strengthen our potential to effect meaningful, positive change, and together we make the difference that counts and achieve equality for everyone – without limitation – every single person under the law.”
As the Coalition writes, “We are stronger when we stand together. Join us as we unleash a new wave of education, coalition building, and advocacy to finally make gender equality under the law a reality.” And Women Connect4Good stands with them as their work continues to make an impact, and until the ERA becomes law.