The election, the ERA and other stories worth celebrating.
Weekly Digest | November 9, 2019
Letter from an Editor
It goes without saying that this last week, we were in election mode at Ms.
Our coverage below highlights some of the many victories we saw in the U.S., as well as around the world, as the 2019 elections came and went. But before I let you scroll down, I do want to give you a glimpse into our other must-read stories from the week.
While New Yorkers cast ballots for ranked-choice voting Tuesday, the U.S. District Court in the city was making a major decision of its own—and on Wednesday, it struck down the Trump administration's recently-adopted “conscience exemption” policy granting broad rights for anyone working in the health care industry to refuse reproductive health care to patients. While eco-feminists took on Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change, Nancy Pelosi took on Mitch McConnell’s criticism of the impeachment probe.
Local lawmakers voted on landmark legislation this week that made Philadelpha the largest city in the country to extend rights to domestic workers, and the first city to establish a portable paid time off system in the United States—and advocates from across the Southeast are making their own mark with a new grassroots effort to protect and expand reproductive justice in the region. Overseas, women are forming the frontline in the fight against ISIS (and winning).
Of course, the fight goes on. But this week provided more than enough inspiration to carry us forward—much of it long overdue. And that’s worth taking a moment to celebrate.
For equality,
Carmen Rios
Managing Digital Editor
PS: Ms. has been chronicling the successes of this movement, and the challenges we face, for nearly five decades, and we aren't backing down anytime soon. Together, we can change the narrative—and change history. Keep us strong and keep the news inspiring: fuel our reporting, rebelling and truth-telling with a tax-deductible donation today.
More Must-Reads from Ms.
Women Won the 2019 Elections: Highlights from Across the Country
Women’s rights were on the ballot across the nation Tuesday—and the results were a resounding endorsement of feminist policies and women’s political leadership.
The Fight to Ratify the ERA is in the Homestretch
Feminists won big in the Virginia state legislative races this week—and the Equal Rights Amendment, which was stopped from coming to the floor for a vote in 2019 and for more than two decades by Republican leadership, will now have both a strong Democratic majority in the House and Senate, with ERA supporters in the majority of both houses.
Switzerland’s Strategies for Political Parity Paid Off in 2019
Last month’s elections in Switzerland culminated in many historic outcomes, including the highest turnover of seats (58)—with the People’s Party losing 12, the Green Party adding 17 and women seizing 20 more in the House of Representatives. Women now make up 42 percent of the Swiss House of Representatives and lead seven of the 26 cantons, including, for the first time ever, Obwalden and Zug. With the exception of the Christian Democrats, in fact, women’s representation increased across the political spectrum: Every party has more women in the House following the 2019 election.
Keeping Score: New Research on Women, Power, Politics and Tech
New research reveals that female candidates are attacked more often than male candidates by trolls and bots online; that women have nonetheless also used social media to build powerful communities around their campaigns; and that traditional media obstacles to women’s political ambition persist. But the report, “ShePersisted. Women, Politics & Power in the New Media World," also details actionable, evidence-based solutions that can change the narrative.
We Heart: The Feminist Politicians That Voted Early—and Urged Their Followers to Cast Ballots
Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both took advantage of New York state’s new early voting options this year, casting their ballots for this week’s elections over the weekend. But their civic engagement efforts didn’t stop at the polls. Instead, both women posted about their experiences on social media—sounding off on the importance of expanding voting access and educating their constituents on how the process works.
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