In an age where women are making their voices heard, a few Democrats Abroad Japan members gathered at the Pink Cow in Akasaka to discuss the role of feminism in our current political climate. A majority of Americans--men and women-- support equality for women in the voting booth, the workplace and the community, yet the fact that conservatives have been able to vilify the words feminism and feminist is testament to the difficulty Democrats have at framing their arguments. By focusing on criticising women for how they fight for their rights--too aggressively, too militantly, too much emphasis on minor details--conservatives have been able to dilute the arguments that bind people in solidarity.
The DAJ members were encouraged with the increasing number of women running for political office. More women in political leadership roles will not only offer a diversity of voices and opinions on the matters affecting women, they will address issues that are relevant to the lives of all Americans because there is an intersectionality between women's issues and all the major issues facing our country.
Environmental issues ARE women's issues: environments with clean air and water are fundamental to raising healthy families and overall health.
Class issues ARE women's issues: those in poverty are more likely to be women and children, live in communities with polluted water and air, and have less access to quality education.
Health care issues ARE women's issues: better access to health care affects every member of a family, and since women are often the health care workers and carers, it affects them in the workplace as well as their own access to care.
Race issues ARE women's issues: whether as mothers who have to worry about their children in an increasingly violent country, access to birth control, quality education, and access to higher education and employment, women of colour are far more likely to be adversely affected by local, state and federal government policies.
More women may be stepping up to run for office, but equally important is motivating women to get out to the polls to vote. The majority of women identify with Democratic policies, but if they don't vote, policies that are harmful to their families and themselves will keep them powerless.
As members of Democrats Abroad Japan, our job will be contact voters in Japan and remind them to request their ballots, to inform them of the amazing candidates the Democratic Party is supporting, and urge them to vote.
We could use your help. In coming weeks, visit this website to learn about more activities and events where you can help Get Out The Vote.
Linda Gould, DAJ Kanto Chair