Women Focus On Progress Work For Equal Rights Is Never Completed, Activists Tell Group

The rights of women in America today are tenfold what they were in 1848 when the first Women’s Rights Convention was held in Seneca Falls, N.Y.

But the work for equal rights is never done, activists reminded Spokane residents Wednesday at Riverfront Park.

Women’s Equality Day, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the women’s rights movement, was observed across the nation Wednesday.

A group of about 50 women and a few men rallied in Spokane to talk about the hurdles they believe women must still overcome.

Women continue to suffer a “radical assault” on their reproductive rights as pending legislation threatens to limit abortions, activist Marion Moos told the crowd.

Moos railed against Washington Initiative 694, which would make late-term abortions a felony.

“Reproductive choice is a long-established right for all Washington women,” she said. “We must protect it.”

Other activists addressed issues that included unfit housing, Spokane’s proposed human rights ordinance and pay equity.

“In 1996, women were paid 74 cents for every dollar that men received,” said Judith Gilmore, political coordinator for the State Council of County and City Employees. “That’s less to spend on our families, less to spend on our futures.

“We have made progress, but not nearly enough.”

That lack of progress for all women’s rights is clear with the rising numbers for sexual and domestic violence in Spokane County, said Laurie McKettrick of the Spokane Sexual Assault Center.

There were 7,000 domestic violence calls and 170 sexual assaults in Spokane County last year, she said.

“We need to continue to look at organizing at a ground level against these crimes,” she said. “It’s prevention through organization. We can together continue to be a voice.”

The evening closed with speeches from stumping politicians, including U.S. congressional candidate Brad Lyons, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, 6th District state Senate candidates Keith Johnson and Judy Personett and 6th District state House candidate Bernie Nelson.