Let’s not whitewash women’s history

Your Turn

Rosalind Murray

Guest columnist

America’s proud history is contingent on telling the truth — both the good and the bad. That honesty makes our nation unique. I am deeply disappointed that this administration appears to be moving toward an authoritarian version of American history by whitewashing it to please our leaders rather than enlighten our people.

It is essential to remember why telling

all

of history matters. The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 after decades of marching, writing, and appealing. Women finally won the right to vote, but not all women. Native American women were not enfranchised until 1924, Asian women until 1952, and Black women faced barriers until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These are not comfortable facts. But, they are real, and they should give us pause.

Women’s rights, like civil rights, opened doors that affect us all today. Before 1920, women were considered the property of men. Even in my mother’s generation, she had to ask my father’s permission to buy clothing for her children. Women could not serve on juries until 1973, open their own bank accounts until 1974, or obtain birth control without a husband’s approval until 1972. Equal employment protections, access to Ivy League schools, protection from sexual harassment, and the right not to be fired for pregnancy all came later — all within my lifetime.

Progress is real, but fragile.

Today in Florida, abortion is banned after six weeks. Women’s healthcare is under attack, and maternal and infant mortality rates are rising. At the same time, women are earning more degrees, entering more professions, and starting businesses in record numbers. Education and economic opportunity remain the foundation of equality, but raising a child to adulthood costs somewhere $200,000–$310,000. A $1,000 baby bonus will not suffice.

If government leaders want more children, they must support families with real investment. We need affordable healthcare, better childcare, and more education opportunities. The lesson is clear: ask women what they need.

Women’s voices today are big and powerful. Let us use them, not just to tell America’s full story, but also to help set its future direction and policies.

Rosalind Murray is former president of the, South Palm Beach County NOW. She lives inBoynton Beach.