Befitting the women’s equality anniversary, women and men gathered at the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial on Monday in the progression to Richmond to hear from speakers, including Pat Wirth, docent at the memorial, and Gayle Converse of Alexandria Celebrates Women.
Women celebrating the historic achievement of women’s right to vote, gained 50 years ago this Aug. 26 in 1920, began their commemoration in Alexandria on Aug. 5. The walk, sponsored by Alexandria Celebrates Women, expects to reach Richmond’s Capital Square and the Virginia Women’s Memorial on Aug. 26 with several stops of note. Their aim is to call attention to women’s history and the many issues related to health and equality that remain for women today.
Organizer Gayle Converse described the areas that demand attention for women: health research, particularly cardiac research; maternal morbidity; teenage suicide for young girls; the glass ceiling; and equal pay.
Pat Wirth, former executive director of the Turning Point association, reminds all that women’s equality still is not recognized in the U.S. Constitution.
Co-president Diane Schrier of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), commented, “Supporters of this walk know the importance of women’s history and achievement in Virginia. Women too long have been ignored, including in the fight for ERA. It’s important to keep fighting for women’s equity and education.”
Former county supervisor Gerry Hyland reminded gatherers, “Women [suffragists] were not willing to give up, and they changed the world for everyone. They changed the lives of so many women.”
Alexandria Celebrates Women is a non-profit which recognizes Alexandria women, past and present, who make a difference to the city.
DAR member Sherly Sims with daughter Amber Wihshi said, “It’s important to support anybody trying to advance the cause of women, as Gayle [Converse] is and the Daughters of the American Revolution. I can’t walk 133 miles to Richmond, but I can urge on Gayle and others.”