This issue’s date coincides with a historic moment in U.S. history. On Aug. 26, 1920, Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women equal voting rights.
While this was a momentous step, it was also imperfect. The women’s rights movement at the time sidelined the rights of African American women. Some of the few voices of intersectionality (before it was known as such) were Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth.
Today, in the United States and around the world, the struggle for civil rights for many populations — whether defined by gender, sexuality or religion — continues.
From Sojourner Truth to Kimberlé Crenshaw, who gave us the term intersectionality, we can see that we don’t have to pick and choose but can simply say: Yes, there should be room for everyone at the table. Or, as many others have said before me: We get free together.
On National Women’s Equality Day, I wonder how our faith communities continue to work at inclusion and equality — not only for women but for others who have historically been denied access and civil rights.
In the 102 years since this occasion, representation of women and others has grown. However, opportunity isn’t yet equal. As any pursuer of justice and institutional reform will tell you, causes like these can take decades to succeed. The work is not yet done for society at large, and certainly also in our faith communities.
On this anniversary date, I’d like to lift up some Anabaptist women and their work — specifically, the work of two podcasters.
You might not be an avid podcast listener like me. But if you ever feel the urge to listen to something interesting, faith-focused and women-created, I suggest two podcasts produced by Anabaptist women.
The first is Holding It(,) Together. First launched with host Jenny Castro and recently relaunched with Bonita Croyle, it is part of Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership ministry.
This podcast is produced by women, for women. It comes out once a month, and you can binge through the latest season. It has focused on women and their journeys with their bodies through grief, lament, healing and joy.
The second is Called to Be Bad, hosted by Mariah Martin. Supported by the Center for Art, Humor and Soul, it dives into topics relevant to theology and justice. Mariah addresses topics that some might find just a bit taboo but that are important to explore as people of faith. We highlighted Mariah and her podcast in an article by Tim Huber in our April 15 edition.
Both Bonita and Mariah are connected to the Anabaptist faith, and they are phenomenal hosts. I recommend listening to both when you get a chance.
Have a comment on this story? Write to the editors. Include your full name, city and state. Selected comments will be edited for publication in print or online.