The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.
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Last Updated on January 17, 2025
Explore social justice themes in “Keep Marching.” Learn how to work on women’s rights advocacy to make the world a better place for women.
Women have shaped societies and fostered innovation. Yet, despite their undeniable contributions, women continue to face systemic inequalities and barriers to their full potential.
Women’s rights advocacy, the collective effort to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women, is a powerful catalyst for change. It encompasses diverse actions, from grassroots organizing to legislative lobbying, all aimed at dismantling discriminatory practices and promoting gender equality.
One of my favorite memories of marching at the 2018 Women’s March in Knoxville was The Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial, by sculptor Alan LeQuire, decorated with pussy hats. I think Lizzie Crozier French of Knoxville, Anne Dallas Dudley of Nashville, and Elizabeth Avery Meriwether of Memphis would have approved.
“We have a vision–a vision of a time when a woman’s home will be the whole wide world, her children all those whose feet are bare, and her sisters all who need a helping hand: a vision of a new knighthood, of a new chivalry, when men will fight not only for women but for the rights of women.” Anne Dallas Dudley
More people rallied in Knoxville’s second Women’s March than the one just after the presidential inauguration in 2017. I see that as a good sign for support of issues that impact women. But how sad that we need to keep doing this.
Social Justice Themes in “Keep Marching”
One of the books on my top 10 activism book list is Keep Marching: How Every Woman Can Take Action and Change Our World by Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner.
I’m a fan of practical books that provide a roadmap to use the materials. That is why Keep Marching made my favorites list. Rowe-Finkbeiner is the executive director for MomsRising. Her organization educates, mobilizes, and lobbies for issues important to women and mothers. Their goals include making sure women get to tell their stories to people in power, including politicians and corporate CEOs. As their tagline says, MomsRising is “Where moms and people who love them go to change the world.” The profits from Keep Marching go to support MomsRising.
Empowering Women, Empowering the World: Creating a More Equitable Future Through Women’s Rights Advocacy
Rowe-Finkbeiner describes social justice themes in Keep Marching: issues that continue to plague women, such as the wage gap, health care, incarceration, harassment, and violence.
The statistics she provides are sobering.
- Women are 30% more likely to live in poverty than men.
- Women make 80 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men.
- One in three women has experienced some form of sexual assault.
“Keep Marching” is a roadmap for creating a better world for women. Rowe-Finkbeiner encourages readers to engage in activism through organizing protests, lobbying elected officials, or simply sparking conversations about gender equality in everyday life.
Keep marching, of course. But consider the best match of your skills with women’s issues. Where can you make the most impact? Read more about how to identify your gifts for activism here.
Marching may not be right for you. Eve Ensler’s used her gifts to create the award-winning The Vagina Monologues. In addition, she created V-Day, which focuses on eliminating violence against women.
Rowe-Finkbeiner includes policy recommendations for each issue in her book. Here is one of her policy recommendations for eliminating the wage gap:
“Promote bans on salary history requirements. The administration and Congress should also work to ensure that employees are barred from requiring job candidates to disclose previous salary histories, which contributes to the wage gap over times.”
The United States does not have mandated paid leave for illness or to care for a loved one. Rowe-Finkbeiner notes that 177 countries do.
“Urge Congress to prioritize passage of the Healthy Families Act. The Healthy Families Act would allow workers in business with fifteen or more employees to earn up to seven job-protected paid sick days each year to be used to recover from their own illnesses, access preventive care, provide care to a sick family member, or attend school meetings related to a child’s health condition or disability. Workers in businesses with fewer than 15 employees would earn up to seven job-protected unpaid sick days each year, unless their employers choose to offer paid sick days.”
Besides Marching, What You Can Do
Here are some concrete steps you can take to make a positive impact on women’s rights:
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- Educate yourself and others: Read books, attend workshops, and engage in discussions to deepen your understanding of women’s rights issues and the diverse perspectives within the movement.
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- Challenge gender stereotypes: Question harmful gender stereotypes that perpetuate gender inequality. Promote inclusive language that represents the diversity of women.
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- Support women-owned businesses: Support businesses owned by women. This helps to break down economic barriers and empower women entrepreneurs.
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- Advocate for policies that promote gender equality: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that advance women’s rights, such as pay equity, access to quality education, and affordable childcare.
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- Amplify women’s voices: Share the stories and experiences of women, especially those from marginalized communities. Help to elevate their voices and ensure they are heard and respected.
An Activist’s Toolkit
Rowe-Finkbeiner provides an appendix with lists of organizations that support the issues described in each chapter. When you get clear about what you want to change for women, Keep Marching is an excellent resource.
Keep Marching” is a powerful reminder that the fight for women’s rights is not just about individual gains but about creating a more just and equitable world for all. By empowering women to reach their full potential, we break down barriers, foster innovation, and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come. Let us continue to march forward, united in our pursuit of gender equality and a world where all women can thrive.
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