The 1970s was an impactful decade for women’s striving for equality in the United States. Beyond the news headlines of ERA, NOW, and Roe vs. Wade, more women entered the workforce, enrolled in colleges, and took the spotlight in business, politics, and professional sports. The topic of gender discrimination was in the forefront, and with it, strong and diverse viewpoints on the path forward. Minnesota was no exception, and this collection represents some of the views and ways of life for women in this tumultuous decade.
October 30, 1972 - Gloria Steinem, editor of Ms. Magazine, speaks at a DFL forum on the changing role for women. Steinem talks with MPR’s Connie Goldman and attendees at event.
October 30, 1972 - An interview about young women on college campuses and their involvement with older women’s organizations.
February 5, 1973 - Excerpt of debate in Minnesota senate over the state’s ratification of Equal Rights Amendment. Professor Alan Speer of the University of Minnesota, declares his desire to see the Minnesota State Senate put debate and research aside to vote on, and pass, ratification for the Equal Rights Amendment. His view is countered by Senator William Kirchner, who feels that recent research calls for more study.
February 5, 1973 - Excerpt of The Minnesota state senate debate on whether or not to ratify the highly controversial Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution.
February 5, 1973 - Debate at Minnesota State Legislature over the Equal Rights Amendment. Includes various male speakers for and against.
February 7, 1973 - MPR’s Marvin Granger interviews Native American advocate Ada Deer about Native American struggles, rights, and the confrontational actions taken to draw attention to broken treaties.
February 12, 1973 - Founders of The Women Poets of the Twin Cities give voice to their poetry in a program dedicated to the anniversary of the birthday of women's rights leader Susan B. Anthony.
March 5, 1973 - MPR’s Connie Goldman interviews Ms. Magazine editor Pat Carbine, who discusses feminism, women's rights, sexual politics, and relationships.
March 5, 1973 - Gloria Steinem talks feminism, women's rights, reproductive rights, abortion, birth control, and population control.
March 13, 1973 - MPR’s Connie Goldman interviews members of the Women's International League Peace for Justice. Topics include a local draft repeal, court watching, gun control, family values, community, and women's rights.