101 Years Later: Equality Can’t Wait - Newsletter #25

Over a century of struggle. A hard-fought ratification in 2020. And yet, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)—an essential step toward constitutional gender equality—remains unpublished. We cannot afford to let this moment slip away. Time is of the essence, and the call to action is clear: We must demand that President Biden sign the ERA into the Constitution before he leaves office.

Here’s why this matters and what we need to do.

The ERA: A Century-Long Fight for Equality

The ERA was first introduced in 1923 to guarantee equality under the law regardless of sex. After decades of relentless, passionate and exhausting advocacy, it finally passed Congress in 1972 and, as of 2020, achieved ratification by 38 states—the threshold required to amend the Constitution.

But despite this milestone, bureaucratic delays, political resistance, and legal debates have left the ERA in limbo. Its exclusion from the Constitution means that sex-based discrimination lacks explicit protections, leaving critical issues—reproductive rights, gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ protections, and more—vulnerable to political whims and judicial interpretation.

Without the ERA, the rights of women and marginalized communities are pieced together in a fragile patchwork of state laws that can be dismantled with a single election or piece of legislation. Enshrining the ERA in the Constitution would create an unshakable foundation for true equality.

Why Mobilizing Now is Non-Negotiable

President Biden has the authority to publish the ERA—right now. As activists like Shawna Presley of Equal Rights Now have pointed out, this isn’t just about protecting rights in the short term; it’s about cementing gender equity in America’s DNA by the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

But here’s the truth: Washington moves when people move it. Politicians may debate, delay, and distract, but public pressure is what creates action. That’s why we must pick up the phone, send texts, and refuse to be ignored.

Think about what’s at stake. When leaders delay action, it allows voices—like those who slow roll actual support and who openly oppose women’s rights to be the dominant message. The ERA isn’t just a constitutional amendment; it’s a line in the sand saying, “Our rights are not up for debate.”

What You Can Do

Here’s how we create the pressure that gets results:

1. Call and Text the White House: It’s quick, it’s simple, and it works. Flood the lines with one clear demand: Sign and publish the ERA now. White House Comment Line: (202) 456-1111 White House text line: +1 (302) 404-0880 - this is my fave Or send a message through their contact form. https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
2. Amplify the Message on Social Media: Use hashtags like #SignTheERA, #EqualRightsNow, and #ERAforEquality to ensure our voices echo everywhere.
3. Spread the Word: Text your friends, family, and colleagues. Post on your platforms. Join or host ERA-related events and rallies. The more voices, the stronger the impact.
4. Support Grassroots Organisations: Groups like Shawna Presley’s Equal Rights Now https://www.shawnavercher.com/, the Young feminist party https://www.instagram.com/youngfeministparty and the ERA Coalition https://www.instagram.com/eracoalition are leading this fight. Donate, volunteer, follow and reshare their posts and updates to stay informed and participate in this movement.

Why It Matters

Opposition to gender equality is not new, but it’s growing louder—and more dangerous. Far-right rhetoric and leaders are putting forth the call for the repeal of women’s voting rights and a return to patriarchal systems that exclude women and marginalised groups from power (and money and seats or owning the whole darn table). 

When people tell you who they are and what they will do, we need to believe them. Groups push out legislation, opinions and videos just to see if they can get away with it or if there is no actual outrage or push back. Having this amendment that protects us is long due. Women need this first line of defense against these groups’ rhetoric and more rights being taken away. 

Women’s rights are human rights so this issue is for all. When women thrive and succeed the world does too. We need our allies to push for women’s equality. Men who love and support women, please make these calls and texts too. 

This isn’t just about the ERA—it’s about the kind of future we want. A future where equity, not oppression, is the law of the land. A future where fundamental rights are guaranteed for everyone, not used as political bargaining chips.

The Final Push

History tells us that change doesn’t come from silence. It comes from action. Shirley Chisholm once said, “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”

This is our moment to make progress. Together, we can create a tidal wave of action that pushes the ERA across the finish line.

So let’s do this. Call. Text. Share. Demand. Let’s make sure President Biden and all leaders hear us loud and clear: It’s time to sign the ERA and secure equality for all.

Let’s finish what began 101 years ago.

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