Women Hunger for Justice
Women Hunger for Justice was a direct action protest in support of the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in Illinois in 1982. The fast received significant attention in the press and included the participation of Sonia Johnson, Sister Maureen Fiedler and Zoe Nicholson.
Background of the fast[edit]
The deadline set by Congress to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment was during the summer of 1982. The amendment expired on June 30 of that year so a fast was planned by seven women's rights activists to raise attention for the need for the Illinois state legislature to pass the amendment.[1]
Overview of the fast[edit]
The fast began on May 18, 1982.[2] During the fast there was both taunting by onlookers and concern in the press for the health of the women who participated.[1] Comedian Dick Gregory came by to visit the women for three days and participated in the fast.[1] The fasters were quoted in the press as saying they were symbolic of the "suffering of women that has remained invisible."[3] Documents and images of the fast are held in the archives at Smith College and the Schlesinger Library.[4][5]
Support from Gloria Steinem[edit]
Gloria Steinem paid for a van, known as the "Gloriamobile" to transport the women during the fast.[6]
National Organization for Women involvement[edit]
The National Organization for Women paid for rooms for the fasters at a Ramada Inn.[6]
Heath of the fasters[edit]
Sonia Johnson[7] was very sick during the fast and collapsed on two different occasions.[6] At times she was unable to walk without assistance.[1] Johnson's supporters were worried she was willing to die in support of the ERA.[1]
Participants[edit]
Eight women[8] ultimately participated in the Women Hunger for Justice fast.[2] Zoe Nicholson wrote a book about her participation in the fast titled A Hungry Heart: A Woman's Fast for Justice.[9] Women who participated in the fast included
- Mary Barnes[10]
- Dina Bachelor[10]
- Sonia Johnson
- Sister Maureen Fiedler
- Zoe Nicholson
- Mary Ann Real[10]
- Shirley Wallace[8]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e "ERA hunger strikers flirt with death - UPI Archives". UPI. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ a b "7 Women on a Hunger Strike In Support of Rights Proposal". The New York Times. May 28, 1982. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ Martin, Sandra (June 10, 1982). "Fasting is Unladylike". Illinois Times.
- ^ "Collection: Equal Rights Amendment Campaign Archives Project records | Smith College Finding Aids". findingaids.smith.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ "Papers of Mary Lee Sargent, 1982-2004". Schlesinger Library.
- ^ a b c Mansfield, Stephanie (June 10, 1982). "The Hunger for Equality". Washington Post.
- ^ "ERA Faster Stricken". Washington Post. 2023-12-25. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ a b Jr, Nathaniel Sheppard; Times, Special To the New York (1982-06-20). "PRESS FOR RIGHTS AMENDMENT INTENSIFIES IN ILLINOIS". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ "The Hungry Heart: A Woman's Fast for Justice". Goodreads. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ a b c "ERA hunger striker won't quit despite her condition". The Galveston Daily News. May 31, 1982.