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10 powerful figures from the women's liberation movement you might not know
10 powerful figures from the women's liberation movement you might not know
Frank OlitoMar 8, 2021, 23:06 IST
Bella Abzug, center.Associated Press
Beyond Gloria Steinem, there are other women who fought for equal rights in the '60s and '70s.
Some were organizers and worked in politics like Bella Abzug, Midge Costanza, and Shirley Chisholm.
Others were powerful writers who focused on feminism, like Audre Lorde and Susan Brownmiller.
Gloria Steinem is one of the most famous feminists in American history and is often credited with furthering the women's liberation movement - but she didn't work alone.
Throughout the '60s, '70s, and '80s, women all over the country fought for equal rights, abortion rights, and LGBTQ rights. The women who fought on the frontlines used politics, organized events, and wrote powerful books in a fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, which gives equal rights to all Americans regardless of sex, and to give a voice to the female experience.
This Women's History Month, here are 10 unsung heroes from the women's rights movement.
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Betty Friedan became one of the most influential leaders of the women's liberation movement after she published her book "The Feminine Mystique."
Betty Friedan.
AP
Pauli Murray co-founded the National Organization for Women and coined the phrase "Jane Crow."
Pauli Murray.
Bettmann / Getty
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Bella Abzug was a famously outspoken leader in the movement and eventually became a congresswoman.
Bella Abzug.
Associated Press
Amid the women's liberation movement, Shirley Chisholm ran for president of the United States.
Shirley Chisholm.
AP Photo/ Richard Drew, File
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Jill Ruckelshaus was a Republican who worked with liberals to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
Jill Ruckelshaus.
Bettmann / Getty
Susan Brownmiller wrote a groundbreaking book about rape that made waves in the '70s.
Susan Brownmiller.
Bettmann / Getty
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Kate Millett became a leading figure of the women's liberation movement when she published "Sexual Politics."
Kate Millett.
AP
Gloria Watkins was an influential writer during the fight for equal rights. She called for a more inclusive feminism.
Gloria Watkins, also known as bell hooks.
Anthony Barboza / Getty
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During this time, Audre Lorde was a poet who also focused on bringing more inclusion to the larger women's movement.
Audre Lorde.
Jack Mitchell / Getty
As the first female assistant to the president, Midge Costanza became known as a trailblazing feminist and an LGBTQ rights activist.