Women's Rights Archives

LWV Response to SCOTUS on Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey is a watershed moment for America, deeply affecting not just the fate of women and every person who gets pregnant in this country, but every single person. We know this weighs heavily on the minds of our members and the people in our community.

We are in a fight to make sure everyone has the power to control their own bodies, lives, and futures. Our national organization has and will continue to advocate consistently, persistently, and effectively on this issue. Beyond that, your LWVPDX Board of Directors wants to boldly proclaim that democracy needs women. Because human rights, reproductive rights, and democratic representation are not separate issues. Because in order for a democracy to fulfill its purpose, it must be for the people and therefore by the people — all of the people.

You can read the statement by LWVUS on the this ruling here. Know that you are not alone. Through the League, you are working for positive change.

Justice Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Photo, Gerry, via TMZ.com

The League of Women Voters of the United States has issued a statement on the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It begins:

“It is with deep and profound sadness the League of Women Voters mourns the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A fierce advocate for women’s rights and civil rights, Justice Ginsburg’s vision for America transcended race, age, gender, and economic lines. She was a beloved champion of justice for all.”

You can read all of the LWVUS statement here.

Of Russian Jewish descent, Justice Ginsburg died at the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Throughout her life, Ruth Bader Ginsburg followed the Hebrew dictum “tikkun olam,” meaning “repair the world.”

Women’s Equality Day!

On August 26, 2020, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the certification on the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment states that the right to vote cannot be denied on account of a citizen’s sex. It gave 26 million American women the right to vote. Unfortunately, some women were still denied the vote because of their race or ethnicity. So this was an important beginning, but much more needed to be done.

Congresswoman Bella Abzug of New York was a leader for women’s rights.

In 1973, U.S. Congresswoman Bella Abzug introduced a resolution to make August 26 Women’s Equality Day. Her resolution was passed by Congress on August 16, 1973. Every year since then, each U.S. President has proclaimed August 26 as Women’s Equality Day, honoring women’s voting rights and recognizing that work toward full equality for women is progressing, but not yet complete.

Celebrating and Continuing our Work

On Tuesday, June 4, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the US Senate’s approval of the 19th Amendment. This amendment to the US Constitution says, “”The right of citizens…to vote shall not be denied…on account of sex.” It became effective on August 26, 1920, after three fourths of the states ratified it. During the next year, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will be sharing stories on social media using the hashtag #19thAt100. The League of Women Voters will explore the full history of 19th Amendment. We know that it was an incomplete victory. For many women, the fight for suffrage continued. Even now, the League is continuing our work to protect the voting rights of all Americans.

LWV History

On February 14, 2020, the League of Women Voters will celebrate the 100th anniversary of our founding. (Read more about our history here.) As we look back on 100 years of achievements, we also will look forward. Our volunteers are working every day to help shape a better future for all.

Our work now

Right now, the LWVUS is supporting the “For the People Act” in the US Senate. This legislation would modernize and reform our election system and restore the Voting Rights Act. The LWVOR is working in the Oregon Legislature on many issues. These include protecting the environment, adequately funding state services, and advancing Oregonians’ rights. The Portland League is working to protect the rights of the people of Multnomah County. In addition, for every election, we provide nonpartisan voting information, so voters will know about the candidates and issues.

The League is proud to be nonpartisan. We neither support nor oppose any candidate or political party. Yet we are always working on vital issues of concern to the public.

Highlights Video on Working Women’s Rights

Click the arrow to view these Highlights from our March 2019 program on the rights of working women and the challenges they face achieving equity in employment and advancement in their work.

Four women from Oregon organizations discuss barriers and challenges for achieving equity for women in the workplace and what can done to help women thrive at work.