Women Over 50—Making Our Own History!
Quick question: Aside from presidential wives and the famous seamstress, Betsy Ross, name three women important to U.S. history before 1900… I’m waiting… still waiting… this is getting o-l-d. Okay… I’ll give you a bit more time—like 200 years!
Before the Women’s Movement, the contributions of the fairer sex didn’t even rate so much as a footnote in history. To be precise, we were overlooked, ignored, and virtually omitted. To remedy this woeful situation, in 1978 (yes—a mere 202 years after our country’s inception), the Education Task Force of Sonoma County, California began a weeklong celebration entitled “Women’s History Week.”
Shortly after that groundbreaking gesture, in 1980 Jimmy Carter gave the Presidential nod to the ladies declaring national “Women’s History Week.” Then Congress took things one-step further and gave us gals an entire month of celebration. Forever after, March was to be known as “National Women’s History Month.” (It does seem interesting to note, however, that although many people aren’t aware of this fascinating designation for the third month of the year, most everyone in our nation has heard of “March Madness.” Hmmm—wonder what that’s about?!)
In my last post, I referenced the work of Susan Douglas, Ph.D. and the facts she presents in her book, Enlightened Sexism: The Seductive Message that Feminism’s Work is Done. Much of what she writes points to the still rampant discrepancy between the genders in earning power and opportunities in upper management. Sadly and shockingly, the gap in poverty rates between men and women is greater in the good old U.S. of A. than anywhere else in the Western world!
Therefore, dear sisters, let us celebrate women’s history month by making some history of our own. If any ideal represents the spirit of our gender and generation, it’s our enormous dedication and drive for creating a country that truly does provide equal opportunity for all of its citizens. It’s up to us and we’ve got plenty yet to do.
Moreover, just because we’re past fifty, we’re not gonna buy into that tired and trite “invisibility” factor that’s been foisted upon older women for centuries. So say it loud and say it proud! “We’re the boomers: the mighty menopausal matriarchs of the Women’s Movement! Don’t be messin’ with our history—or—if you prefer—don’t be messin’ with our HERstory!”
Never, ever forget our commitment, our drive, and our numbers: WE COUNT, WE CARE, and WE VOTE!
If you or a boomer friend is unemployed and looking for work, please check out Land the Job You Love: 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50. It’s the only book around that provides midlife jobseekers with an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to successfully navigate today’s competitive job market. Don’t be left in the dust—set yourself apart with an up-to-date resume that rocks, learn how to build critical and strategic alliances within your targeted companies, and ace the interview with skill and style. Packed with insider tips and techniques, this book is guaranteed to put your search on overdrive and turn you into the candidate of choice!
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March 19th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Eileen, I was embarassed that I couldn’t think of a single name of an important American woman prior to 1900. We do have a ways to go; my fear is that younger women aren’t vigilant enough.