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Faye Wattleton Calls Women to Action as Leaders

On September 30, women's rights activist Faye Wattleton gave a talk that was the opening event of the new Center for Leadership and Public Advocacy. In her speech, Wattleton acknowledged the gains women have made in recent decades, but also noted that fear and distrust of women's power are still deeply embedded in America's values. To deal with backlash against women, the former director of Planned Parenthood said, "We must act. If we are to stem the forces that continue to resist women's progress, feminism must be unequivocal and redoubled. It will take the leadership of women. It will take the leadership of courage and the leadership of will. It will take looking to and being role models."

The focus of Wattleton's talk mirrored the leadership center's goals by urging her audience to get involved in the important issues of our day. "Leadership is not exclusive to those who occupy a national platform," she reminded. "Individual leadership can influence and shape the national picture. We have to accept responsibility for change ... You have the power within yourself to create beneficial change for yourself and for others."

Wattleton's entire speech is available online at http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/comm/.