Hello and happy Friday!
Let’s dive right into it this week, shall we?
This past Monday marked 100 years since Wisconsin became the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment, granting some women the right to vote in the United States. I say “some” because the suffragette movement that most people are familiar with today was largely led by white women who were in no way advocating for the rights of black women or other marginalized populations.
Though the state has made strides in supporting rights and representation for women, there is still a long road ahead towards equality in opportunity. It’s an issue that doesn’t just affect women, but has impacts across society as a whole. In an effort to take a look back and to the future, WisContext has put together a new (and growing) series about the role women play in Wisconsin’s democracy.
Here’s a look at some of the stories from the series, as well as from our partners at Wisconsin Public Media.
Women vying for public office made historic waves across the United States in the 2018 midterm elections. Wisconsin, however, didn't quite follow that national trend.
Check out this episode of Wisconsin Public Television’s Noon Wednesday in which I talk about this story in more detail!
Wisconsin Public Television
A teachers' college gave women in Oshkosh career opportunities and helped the immigrant population assimilate. Jessie Jack Hooper, a local suffragette and activist, mobilized the community to win women the right to vote, gaining national renown for her efforts.
Photo courtesy of Briana Reilly
Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers spoke with Central Time’s Rob Ferrett this past Monday about how they’re honoring the women’s suffrage movement, as well as finding new ways to educate citizens about Wisconsin’s role in it.
Photo courtesy of Briana Reilly
Organizational research indicates that diverse groups make better decisions. However, women don't run for public office as often as men. But when women do run, they win elections at the same rate as their male counterparts. So why don't women run? University of Wisconsin-Extension's Local Government Center explored this question in 2016.
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