It has been 97 years since the first version of the ERA was written by Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman. Well, we have waited too long and it is about time to ratify ERA. Constitution rights for me as a woman, to all women must be the same as men.

Early this month, I was preparing for the International Women’s Day talk addressing delegates from around the globe. My topic was the Challenges faced by Women in Technology, fears and gaps and the impact on high-tech with less women’s involvement. The data I came across while preparing for the talk was astonishing.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Computer Science & Research jobs will grow 19% by 2026. The above chart indicates there are not as many women entering the workforce. We not only have a deficit in women technologists but on average a woman earns 87% of what a man earns.

Decades have passed yet the gender parity, equality seems a distant mirage. Women are still deprived to be on the critical decision-making forums resulting in widening the gender gaps. All this arises only because women do not have equal rights under the law. We must take the step forward. Equal Rights must be enshrined in our Constitution. ERA Now!

Suma Shamanna, lives in India and votes in Oregon.

For there is always light,

if only we're brave enough to see it

If only we're brave enough to be it

• Amanda Gordon, Inauguration Ceremony

On 20th January, President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office from the west side of the Capitol building, and with this, a new era for America was born. This historic day shall also stand the test of time as Kamala Harris is now the first Vice President of our great country. 

In his inauguration, President Biden spoke about not just about the issues that our country currently faces including systematic racism and a global pandemic but the hope and vision for the next four years.  This administration is extremely determined to bring stability and normalcy to the citizens of America. They aim to tackle many issues simultaneously including healthcare, immigration, unemployment and climate change to name a few. 

As the inauguration ceremony went on live, people watching at home got to see a few familiar faces of celebrities and artists. From Lady Gaga to Garth Brooks, many artists performed after the President was sworn into office. However, one performer stood out from among the rest, Ms. Amanda Gordon.  She is the nation’s current poet laureate and the youngest one in America’s history.  Her performance of her poem was riveting, emotional and full hope. Ms. Gordon reiterated much of President Biden’s speech, a country that is currently suffering but can and will fight for a bright and better future. 

Throughout the day, the President and Vice President participated in a plethora of events from visiting Arlington Cemetery to the traditional Pass-in Review with the military.  As the day went on, this inauguration deterred traditional events and introduced for the first time a Prime Time Special called, ‘Celebrating America’. This 90-minute special hosted by veteran actor, Tom Hanks aims as the name says to celebrate the rich diversity and talent of people from across the country. The special which could be watched live by people at home also included performances from different genres and states.  Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Demi Lovato and John Legend are just a few of the talented artists that performed.  The special also had remarks from the President, the Vice President and the First Lady. 

Thus, this historic day represents a new dawn for our country and is just one step of many to a better tomorrow.

“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world.” – Sharon Salzberg

Do you remember the first time you voted? The feeling of adrenaline and excitement as you stepped into the booth, the realization that your voice will be heard through this vote. The experience of voting for the first time for any individual is not just the thrill but also, the feeling that arises in all of us as we leave the polls, that feeling of being a part of something special. In my opinion, it is that feeling that resonates in every single one of us that brings us together, uniting us in the spirit of democracy.

Looking back at the last election, many Gen-Z voters missed out on that special first experience of voting at the polls. However, making the best out of a bad situation, most voters quickly navigated the art of absentee and mail-in voting and just like that the experience of voting transformed from polls and booths to post-offices and homes. Considering the current scenario, it is heartening to watch youngsters still believe in making the world a better place. Some young voters do look at the glass as half-full, but in this tumultuous time when it is easy for us to be pessimistic, we should look at those that take strength in their choice to look at the bright side and strive to make a difference.

We talked to a couple of first-time voters on what it was like to vote during the pandemic, about absentee and mail-in voting and what voting means to them as individuals:

Question 1: How did you feel voting for the first time?

Answer 1: It felt really good and inspiring. It was a nice feeling, knowing that I could now directly contribute to seeing change and progress happen in both my state and the country.

Question 2: Was voting during the pandemic nerve-wracking?

Answer 2: Yes, it definitely was. While some of my friends voted in person, I voted through mail-in voting but it was comforting to know that precautions were followed for in-person voting. For example, in my city, apart from the temperature checks and six feet distancing, voters were given Q- tips so they didn’t have to touch the screen. 

Question 3: As a young person, why do you care about voting?

Answer 3: When I was 15, I saw the country, and especially my home state, go in a direction I didn’t approve of and felt helpless because there was nothing that I could do. However, when I turned 18, there was finally some sense of control I had, over who my elected representatives were and the policies they wished to implement. Additionally, as a woman of color and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, these general and congressional elections were very important in ensuring we were heard and protected.

Question 4: Did anyone help you navigate absentee/mail-in voting?

Answer 4: The process at first for mail-in voting was a bit overwhelming but after getting in contact with the Democrats Abroad India Team and the officials from my State on the specific rules, the process became a whole lot easier and fun. The ballots had very clear instructions and my parents were very supportive and helped clear my doubts. 

Indian Americans constitute nearly 4.8 million (1.2%) of the total US population and play a vital role in the electoral process - specifically, in some of the key purple states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With the presidential election fast approaching and Kamala Harris’ historic nomination as the vice presidential candidate, the Biden campaign has turned its focus on this key voter demographic.

In 2016, according to a National Asian American Survey, 77% of Indian Americans voted for Hillary Clinton. This was a decrease from the close to full support for Barack Obama in his years running for president.

Indian Americans constitute nearly 4.8 million (1.2%) of the total US population and play a vital role in the electoral process - specifically, in some of the key purple states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With the presidential election fast approaching and Kamala Harris’ historic nomination as the vice presidential candidate, the Biden campaign has turned its focus on this key voter demographic.

In 2016, according to a National Asian American Survey, 77% of Indian Americans voted for Hillary Clinton. This was a decrease from the close to full support for Barack Obama in his years running for president.

I'm Suma, an Oregon voter. I grew up in Bangalore, India and relocated to the US to pursue my Master's degree in Computer Science. I was introduced to US politics while in school and I actively participated in organizing events and fund raising. With a rich experience of two Master's degrees and decades of work experience, I returned to India. I am on the board of a technology start-up and mentor new businesses. I am a fitness enthusiast, and participate in marathons.

It is an honor to serve as Chairperson of Democrats Abroad India, member of the Global AAPI steering committee, and member of Global IT team.

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