Oregon's Pioneering Women
By Tara Watson of Beaverton and Sasha Pollack of Portland, volunteers for the Oregon Bus Project.
In Oregon, as in the rest of the nation, the middle of the last century brought dramatic change to womens' roles. Girls born to mothers who had tentatively begun to explore the workplace were now reaching the limits allowed them in their new roles. Too many gateways into the workplace were still revolving doors. As the possibilities of working and contributing to society expanded, frustrations with limitations led some women into the realm of politics to seek out answers. They weren't looking to become figureheads for a generation of women, but they did.
All former Governor Barbara Roberts wanted was to get government assistance for her autistic son. All that former City Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury wanted was to open the City Club of Portland to women. Former Supreme Court Justice Betty Roberts had already raised a family by the time she decided to go to law school. Former City Commissioner Margaret Strachan left Montana and her family for Oregon to become a leader in the women's movement. The late U.S. Representative Edith Green served in Congress for nearly 20 years. The late U.S. Senator Maurine Neuberger was our first and only woman senator. State Senator Margaret Carter is one of the longest serving members of the Oregon Legislature. Former state senator Jane Cease was the head of the DMV. Former Mayor Vera Katz and her mother escaped from Nazi Germany when she was a girl.
They led the charge, and many followed, the path a little easier to manage because of those who had forged ahead. Because of them our state is stronger, because of them our state is more livable, and because of them we are here today.
Our generation still needs strong female leaders. We face more covert, but nonetheless pressing concerns in society, issues such as salary disparity, a lack of childcare for working mothers, uncertain job security for pregnant workers, and attacks on our right to a choose safe and legal reproductive options.
However, the fact that we are now debating how a mother can work and raise her child, rather than if a mother can work and raise her child, shows that concrete progress has been made. We now must pass this legacy down to our daughters and sons so that the movement does not stagnate. How will we be defined?
We owe it, but not only to our progeny. We owe it to these women, who, on their first trip through the revolving door, thought for a second, dusted themselves off, and brought a doorstop the second time around.
If you're interested in joining the Bus Project in honoring Oregon's pioneering women, come to the Bus Project Gala "Through the Looking Glass" on May 21. Event details here.
|
May 12, 2005
Posted in guest column. |
More Recent Posts | |
Albert Kaufman |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
Kari Chisholm |
Final pre-census estimate: Oregon's getting a sixth congressional seat |
Albert Kaufman |
Polluted by Money - How corporate cash corrupted one of the greenest states in America |
Guest Column |
|
Albert Kaufman |
Our Democrat Representatives in Action - What's on your wish list? |
Kari Chisholm |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
connect with blueoregon
May 12, '05
It is always fascinating to me that in Portland circles, when talk to turns to the great pioneering women in politics, Norma Paulus is routinely overlooked. If anyone actually takes the time to look back at her career without regard to party affiliation, it's quite impressive and stands-up to, and I beleive may surpass, many of the other notable women leaders in this post. I know it's blue Oregon, and Norma Paulus is a Republican, but if you're really talking about pioneers in the last 40 years, a list without her is incomplete. I’ve never met her, never voted for her, but I do know some of her history. It is impressive and shouldn't constantly be dismissed because of her party.
12:30 p.m.
May 13, '05
Yeah, and if she were starting her political career today, Norma would probably be a Democrat.
12:38 p.m.
May 13, '05
We actually considered having Norma be our keynote but we didn't have a route to her and Vera was a yes right away. But you're right I'll yell at the interns for not adding her name. Then I'll get yelled at for calling Sasha and Tara interns.
May 13, '05
after you yell, can i yell too? I've always wanted to be like a Chubby Gazelle
7:47 p.m.
May 13, '05
I don't know how you can do a list without Darlene Hooley. Or Mary Wendy Roberts, who held statewide office longer than any other woman in Oregon history. Here are a few others: First woman to be Portland mayor: Dorothy McCullough Lee, in 1948. First woman to represent Oregon in Congress: Nan Wood Honeyman, 1936, a Portland Democrat. First woman to be elected to the Oregon Senate: Kathryn Clarke, a Douglas County Republican, in 1915. First woman to be elected to the Oregon House: Marian Towne, a Jackson County Democrat, in 1914.
May 17, '05
Through the Looking Glass A Bus Project Gala
May 21st The Plant - SE 9th and Alder in Portland
Main event starts at 7:00pm with Sojourn Theatre, March Fourth Marching Band, and more... music, food, drink, drama and political intrigue.
After party with the Marching Band, Soul Plasma & Friends, DJs and Karaoke from Hell. VIP pre-function honoring Oregon's Pioneering Women (represented by former Mayor Vera Katz) and Oregon's Future leaders (represented by Jonah Edelman). Live music by Michael Meanwhile.
Produced by a crack volunteer team led by Sasha Pollack and the rest of the crew at the Bus.
Swanky attire, and a great way to support what we do, and be a part of the driving saga.
More details at http://www.busproject.org
When: May 21st doors to main event open at 7:00pm. Where: The Plant SE 9th and Alder
It’s more than just politics, it’s about building a community of people that are working for change and turning them loose with music, art, drama and political speak. Join Oregon’s progressive community for Through the Looking Glass – this year’s Bus Project gala event. MAY 21st, 2005 – BUY TICKETS NOW AT BusProject.org
Through the Looking Glass: 7pm, $25 general, $10 student (monthly members get 2-for-1 tickets) We take a trip through Wonderland - our journey will include a theatrical performance by Sojourn Theater, music by March Fourth Marching Band, presentations from the Bus on where we've been and where we're going. Music, fun, theater and politics – all in one package! (Ticket price includes After Party – Buy Tickets Now)
Mad Hatter’s VIP Tea Party: 6pm, $150 ($125 for monthly members) Join the Oregon Bus Project in honoring Jonah Edelman of Stand for Children and Mayor Vera Katz for their contributions to progressive political progress in Oregon. Live music, elected officials, and Oregon’s top activists. This is the insider’s ticket to the who’s who of Oregon politics. Complimentary food & drink. (Ticket price includes Main Event and After Party – Buy Tickets Now)
After Party: 9:30pm – 1:30am, $10 general Join us as the party continues with late night music: live bands like Soul Plasma and March Fourth as well as Karaoke from Hell. When a party’s this good, no one goes home. (Buy Tickets Now)
All events are all ages.
Swanky attire.
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW – BusProject.org or stop by the office at 333 SE 2nd Ave – we’re on the second floor.