Home / Then & Now / Women Most Definitely Count

Women Most Definitely Count

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

______________________________________________________________________________

August 2015 Then an Now then suffragettesThis month we pay tribute to the brave and determined women who played a role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment back on August 18, 1920. This movement guaranteed women the right to vote, a right known as woman suffrage.  While the word “suffrage” actually means the right to vote, this term has nothing to do with the act of suffering as many people believe. In a derogatory attempt to dismiss the work of this courageous group, UK’s Daily Mail newspaper referred to these women as “suffragettes”  and the title then rose to popularity in the US. Despite intense opposition, the efforts of the suffragettes paid off on November 2, 1920 during the presidential election between Republican Warren G. Harding and Democrat James M. Cox. This was the very first time women in all of the 48 states voted in an election and because of this, the total popular vote grew intensely.

August 2015 Then an Now now picketersToday women hold office on local, state and national levels. These politicians and the steady increase in female voters have brought about policy changes relating to many political, economic, environmental and social issues. This is especially true in the last thirty years.  According to Rutgers University’s Center for the American Women and Politics, women voters have outnumbered male voters in every presidential election from 1980-2012. With the upcoming 2016 presidential election upon us, let us honor the strong and persistent suffragettes who sacrificed so much to make the voices of women an important part of the political landscape.

The following two tabs change content below.

Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.

Latest posts by Cynthia Lopinto (see all)

Check Also

Under The Sun

When the 1960s began, working on a dark tan became the thing to do. Cocoa butter hit the market, as well as other tanning products ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *