Women Plan Many Protests (Press, 27 August 1970)

On 26 August 1970, militant feminists in the United States planned a national strike against male dominance, culminating in a significant march down New York’s Fifth Avenue. Organised by prominent activist Mrs Betty Friedan and other feminist groups, the protest sought to highlight the ongoing struggle for women's equality, which they argued was still an "unfinished business." Friedan, who is known for founding the National Organisation for Women (NOW) in 1966, emphasized the importance of solidarity among women, declaring, “We are taking our equality—no-one ever gave it to us.” The march, which was expected to disrupt rush-hour traffic, had been granted permission to use one lane of Fifth Avenue, but the organisers indicated their willingness to defy this restriction if necessary. This demonstration was part of a broader movement commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of women’s suffrage, with various events planned across the country, from Maine to Montana. Participants were encouraged to “girlcott” men, challenge traditional gender roles by handing over childcare duties to men, and destroy symbols of what they considered oppression. The strike was met with mixed reactions. Support from feminist groups included organisations such as the American Radical Nuns, W.I.T.C.H., and the American Civil Liberties Union, among others. However, some women opposed the strike, including a Santa Barbara housewife, Mrs Helen Andelin, who urged women to celebrate their roles as homemakers and wives instead of participating in the protests. In contrast to the feminist message of protest, Andelin promoted a “celebration of womanhood day,” advocating for traditional female roles and celebrating femininity. The protest garnered attention from local authorities, including San Francisco's Mayor Joseph Alioto, who stated that he would not pay any city employee who took leave to join the feminist demonstrations. Additionally, some organisations, like the Texas Bar Association, expressed opposition to any constitutional amendments that would grant equal rights to women. Reports also indicated that employers in Georgia threatened to fire workers who participated in the strike. The feminists aimed to make their demands heard through various actions, such as "guerrilla theatre" in business districts, public demonstrations, and the destruction of tea cups to symbolically represent breaking away from traditional roles. The key demands of the striking women included free abortions on demand, free day care facilities, and equal job opportunities. This demonstration and associated protests not only illustrated the heightened visibility of the feminist movement but also reflected the broader societal tensions surrounding issues of gender equality in 1970s America.

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