Thanks, Gloria Steinem | Women In Leadership For Life
My first magazine subscription was to Ms magazine. I was inspired and felt validated by the gutsy articles, and magazine covers, and by Gloria herself.
As I have read through the accolades to Steinem since her recent death, I recalled the many ways she had influenced me. One that stands out was in the early 1990s, when Lillas, my Women in Leadership for Life colleague and friend, and I heard her speak shortly after the publication of her book The Revolution from Within.
Her presentation that day, and the book, emphasized the importance of self-esteem and personal empowerment for women, and the need for women to claim their authentic selves. Steinem said that true revolution requires both internal transformation and communal support among women.
It strikes me now how aligned our Women in Leadership for Life mission was with those ideas. It was in 2013 Lillas and I decided to focus our programming on supporting women in all areas of their life, encouraging them to live their full expression. We began with a focus on self-care and empowerment. And internal transformation and community were key.
As I continued to reflect, I realized that Steinem was one of the key influences on my early interest in equality and my courage to speak out on women’s rights. She influenced my decision to write a graduate thesis on women’s groups working together and to dedicate a good portion of my paid and volunteer work to supporting women’s causes.
Serving as a director of the Women’s Directorate on the University of Saskatchewan campus and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (both in the 1970’s), along with providing programs for women through the Extension Division, are just a few examples.
Her words and influence live on.
“A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”
Thanks, Gloria
As I was writing this, I thought about another post related to the 1970’s, Women Making History and of the significance of community in Life Giving Communities.
Thanks for being here.
I delight in sharing my thoughts, such as these, in a newsletter, typically every few months. And now and then, ideas show up our Facebook page. Always love to hear from you via email.
