This past Sunday over 150 people gathered at Hyde Park in New York to celebrate one of the most amazing women in the history of the feminist movement. Eleanor Roosevelt was born October 11, 1884 making Sunday her 125th birthday. Here at WomenCount Eleanor Roosevelt holds a very special place in our hearts because she of course chaired the original Presidential Commission on the Status of Women in 1961 that was put into place by President Kennedy.

In fact it’s even said that when President Kennedy was running for office he approached Eleanor and asked for support for his candidacy. She was after a force to be reckoned with and a powerhouse in the Democratic Party. Kennedy knew how much her support would mean. Eleanor agreed, but only on the condition that he promised he would establish the commission.

Not that he didn’t take it seriously, he not only went on to ask Eleanor to Chair commission but to show how serious he took the women's movement he also appointed his brother, Attorney General, Robert Kennedy to the commission to show that it was not a token commission but a serious commitment.

But chairing the commission was of one of many endeavors and accomplishment made by Eleanor Roosevelt in her lifetime. Aside from showing women could become power player within a political party and redefining the role of a first lady, she served in the U.N., was a major supporter of the New Deal whose tireless efforts helped it come to pass. She is also credited for beginning the second great wave of feminism that lasted into the 70s.

There’s also a few lesser-known firsts that Eleanor Roosevelt accomplished that we, as women, should give thanks for. I love that all four of these things are things many women today do for a living.

 

• She was the first female radio commentator.
• She was the first woman to ever speak at a National Convention.
• She was the first woman to write a syndicated column.
• She was the first woman to actually earn money as a lecturer.

 

The Presidential Commission on the Status of Women pretty much ended with Eleanor Roosevelt’s passing in 1962. But what was established in that short time helped women overcome a number of the obstacles we’ve faced over the years since then.

But there is still much work to be done. Which is why we hope to take the bill reinstating the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women that is currently in congress to the next level. If you haven’t already please sign the petition and help us continue Eleanor Roosevelt’s amazing work.

Posted by: Patty Smith @ 04:17PM on October 13 2009
Comment:

I am currently editing a women's studies book and the statistics show we have a long way to go. It saddens me when women my age (late 30's)say they don't have any women friends, or they don't need to join a women's professional group, because "what's the point?"

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Posted by: Teddy King @ 01:49PM on October 13 2009
Comment:

I agree!