Violet
I am excited about the monument because it isn't fair that girls aren't on the National Mall.
“I feel the monument should reflect how women have evolved over the course of our American history while at the same time showing the multi-faceted nature of women. Our role in society has changed over time. The monument should reflect our every changing role as well as the varied aspects of womanhood. I envision a monument that pays respect to our past, present and future. Immigrant pioneer women who made sacrifices moving to a hostile unknown territory to live the American dream. Women that stood up to earn the right to vote. Women that stayed at home to raise children and be homemakers. Women that broke through the glass ceiling and became leaders of companies. Women that served their communities in political roles. And finally, women who may have served God through ministries. A woman can be a Mom, a teacher, an astronaut, a military veteran, a police officer, a nurse, a nun or minster, etc. Women are the leaders of their family, and they are the leaders our communities. Women can do anything and do everything!”
intelligent, multitaskers, versatile, complex, diverse, dynamic, bold, brave
The story of my great-great grandmother inspires me. She left her entire family behind in Illinois to move to Alabama after the Civil War. In 1865 and with $225.00 in her purse, she travelled alone hoping to capitalize on post Civil War Reconstruction. Winding up in Mobile, she ran a boarding home for the railroad and millinery and hair dressing business. A man had to sign off on allowing her to have a business license. She was the first saleswoman in the state of Alabama, and her success paved the way for generations of women in her family.
Featured Submissions
Leslie
My grandmother, Juana, came to the United States from the Philippines in 1973 and opened the door to the life I was born into. She was gentle but strong, and her love shaped our big, close family in ways I carry with me every day. When I think about the monument, I see her and all the women whose quiet courage, often unseen, built the foundation for the generations that came after them.
Graham
I am inspired by the suffragists bravery when protesting outside the White House even when they knew they would get arrested.
Diane
I am inspired by the suffragists creativity and resilience. I sewed this replica banner with one of my favorite slogans from the suffrage movement, "Forward Into Light".
Sloane
My drawing is of a strong independent woman holding the women's suffrage flag that I feel represents this movement in history and continues to hold true today.
Lily
My monument idea is one that honors the fight of the past while allowing space for the future of women’s rights to come. It is of a sash winding and rising upwards towards a fire. The fire represents courage, endurance, and the many voices of women who fought, and continue to fight for equality. It is a flame that can never be extinguished. At the bottom of the sash are symbols of the early suffrage movement such as a “Women Vote” button, a suffrage bluebird, and a yellow suffrage rose. The middle of the sash has the saying, “They ignited the flame. Our Voices Keep it Burning.” This honors the fight of those who came before us, and encourages new voices to continue their efforts for equality. The top of the sash is left empty and unwritten to allow for the next generation to leave their mark.
