A look at 1977’s National Women's Conference, an event that revolutionized the women’s movement
Twenty thousand people from across the U.S. gathered in Houston, Texas on a historic weekend in 1977 for the first federally funded National Women’s Conference, aiming to end discrimination against women and promote their equal rights. In the crowd were women of all ages, ethnicities and political backgrounds, including three first ladies, Barbara Jordan, Bella Abzug, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Eleanor Smeal, Ann Richards, and Coretta Scott King. After four days of feverish arguments and all-night caucuses, with the attention of protesters and the world’s media upon them, the women hammered out a plan of action, ending the conference ready to take on the world. SISTERS OF ‘77 is a fascinating look at that pivotal event that not only changed the lives of the women who attended, but the lives of Americans everywhere. Told through archival footage and modern-day interviews with many who attended, the film offers a window into not only U.S. history, but also the nation’s future.
Sisters of ‘77
Release Year: 2005
Duration: 60 min
Availability:
Related: History, Politics, Women's Issues, ITVS, PBS
Twenty thousand people from across the U.S. gathered in Houston, Texas on a historic weekend in 1977 for the first federally funded National Women’s Conference, aiming to end discrimination against women and promote their equal rights. In the crowd were women of all ages, ethnicities and political backgrounds, including three first ladies, Barbara Jordan, Bella Abzug, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Eleanor Smeal, Ann Richards, and Coretta Scott King. After four days of feverish arguments and all-night caucuses, with the attention of protesters and the world’s media upon them, the women hammered out a plan of action, ending the conference ready to take on the world. SISTERS OF ‘77 is a fascinating look at that pivotal event that not only changed the lives of the women who attended, but the lives of Americans everywhere. Told through archival footage and modern-day interviews with many who attended, the film offers a window into not only U.S. history, but also the nation’s future.
Posted 05/18/09 by Sheila
WOW!!! I’m so glad I found this on the PBS website. I was 12 when this conference happened, and while I don’t remember it, I’m eternally grateful for all of the brave women who withstood the undeserved criticism and downright sexist attitudes of both men and other women, and persevered regardless. I know my generation and the generations after me have reaped the benefits of what these women (and their enlightened male counterparts) fought so hard to achieve. I have never in my entire life ever been told “You can’t do that because you’re a girl,” and am thankful that I was able to join the Army, serve my 3 years, and go on to eventually get my master’s degree without anyone discouraging me because of my gender. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU for your strength, courage, passion and guts to forge ahead despite the opposition. We may not have reached the Promised Land of equality, but thanks to all of you, we’re a lot closer. And remember, the boys you had then are the men who now treat us women as equals (well, okay, most of them do!).
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