Violet
I am excited about the monument because it isn't fair that girls aren't on the National Mall.
“The outcomes that have been achieved in voting rights for women but also in many other ways deserve to be seen and honored whether they are big or small accomplishments. I hope my very rough drawing incorporates the diversity of women, hope for the future, the voices who have contributed to this wonderful monument, both those we read about and know because they have done great things, and those who do great things everyday when they accept and care about others, voice an idea, stand up for another, vote against corruption and for education for all, equality for all, happiness and joy and kindness- aspirational goals but honest ones we can hang our hats on, so to speak, and use as foundations and building blocks for ideas and creations...”
My life spans the time that women's rights were confined mostly to the world of marriage, motherhood and if a career was sought, a time when it was secondary to traditional expectations or more strongly and wrongly confined. So many women before and after this time have reached outside these bounds and created, researched, imagined...not everyone who envisions a better world for women will be known and applauded, but everyone has a voice, an idea, kindness toward others, compassion, depth...our diversity makes the world literally go 'round, and the capacity for acceptance, sharing, growing, and supporting each other is endless. Throughout my career I have learned that as much as I may have learned through education, I have learned more from those I worked with.. and that women present a kaleidoscope of everything that makes the world potentially a truly better place.
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.
