Feminist Majority Foundation facts for kids
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| Formation | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Eleanor Smeal Peg Yorkin Katherine Spillar Toni Carabillo Judith Meuli |
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Purpose | Women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence |
| Headquarters | Arlington County, Virginia, U.S. |
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President
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Eleanor Smeal |
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Chair of the Board
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Peg Yorkin |
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Executive Director
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Katherine Spillar |
| Subsidiaries | Ms. magazine |
The Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF) is an American non-profit group. It is based in Arlington County, Virginia, in the U.S.. Its main goal is to promote peace and help women gain power, equality, and economic success.
The name "Feminist Majority" came from a poll in 1986. This poll showed that 56 percent of American women considered themselves feminists. Eleanor Smeal, who is the president and one of the founders, chose the name. She wanted to show that most women support feminist ideas.
Contents
About the Feminist Majority Foundation
The FMF is a non-profit organization that focuses on research and education. It was started in 1987 by Eleanor Smeal, Peg Yorkin, Katherine Spillar, Toni Carabillo, and Judith Meuli. It has offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, California. Peg Yorkin is the chair of its board.
The FMF also publishes Ms. magazine. It took over the magazine in 2001 and helped it become a non-profit publication. Ms. magazine was co-founded in 1972 by Gloria Steinem. It is a magazine created by and for women. It shares stories about women's lives in the U.S. and around the world.
Key Programs and Campaigns
The FMF runs several programs and campaigns. These programs focus on women's health and rights both in the U.S. and globally. Some of their important efforts include:
- National Clinic Access Project: This project works to make sure people can safely get to health clinics.
- Campaign for Women's Health: This campaign supports various aspects of women's health.
- Feminist Campus: This program helps young feminists on college campuses become leaders.
- Global Women's Health Choices Campaign: This campaign works to protect women's health choices worldwide.
- Campaign for Afghan Women and Girls: This effort supports the rights and safety of women and girls in Afghanistan.
- National Center for Women and Policing: This center works to support women in law enforcement.
- Education Equity Program: This program aims to ensure fair and equal opportunities in education for everyone.
Important Moments in FMF History
From 1989 to 1992, the FMF ran a campaign called "Feminization of Power." This campaign encouraged many women to run for public office. As a result, the number of women in the United States Congress doubled in 1992. This year became known as the "Year of the Woman."
In 1992, the FMF helped gain support for an Equal Rights Amendment in Iowa. In 1996, they worked to oppose a ballot measure in California that aimed to stop efforts against unfair treatment.
In 2004, the Feminist Majority was a main organizer of the "March for Women's Lives." More than 1.15 million people marched in Washington, D.C. They marched to support women's health choices.
In 2013, the FMF held its 9th Annual National Young Feminist Leadership conference. It took place in Arlington County, Virginia. Speakers included Dolores Huerta, a famous activist, and other young leaders.
The FMF has also supported actions that they believe help women. For example, they supported the war in Afghanistan. They believed it would help protect and free Afghan women.
Laws and Victories
The Feminist Majority has played a big role in passing laws that benefit women. Some of their successes include:
- Helping to change the Civil Rights Act of 1991. This change allowed women to receive money if they won lawsuits about unfair treatment based on sex.
- Helping to pass the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. This law allows workers to take unpaid leave for family or medical reasons.
- Helping to pass the Violence Against Women Act and the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act in 1994. These laws protect people from violence and ensure safe access to clinics.
- Helping to pass the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban in 1996. This law prevents people convicted of domestic violence from owning guns.
- Helping to restore Title IX in 1988. Title IX is a law that prevents discrimination based on sex in education. They also defended Title IX against attempts to weaken it in 2003.
The Feminist Majority continues to support the U.S. joining important international agreements. These include the United Nations Women's Rights Treaty (CEDAW) and the International Criminal Court. These agreements aim to end discrimination against women worldwide.
See also
In Spanish: Feminist Majority Foundation para niños
- Equal Rights Amendment
- Feminism
- Liberal feminism
- Social justice
- Progressivism
