Kentucky Women Rising

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Kentucky women have been active in politics for over 200 years. Before and after the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote, they repeatedly sought to participate in political life and make their voices heard. Though not always self-identifying as feminist - one who supports political, economic, and social equality of the sexes - many fought for political, economic, and social equality. They organized groups focused on achieving their goals, ran for and attained political office, and proposed legislation.

Women of color did not share equally in the gains made over time by their white female counterparts. Although the 19th Amendment applied to women of color, cultural norms - manifested in Jim Crow laws and other discriminatory practices - restricted women of color from their rights, especially in the southern states.

Despite over 200 years of activism and the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, the struggle for equality continues today. Kentucky women are still in the fight, with many participating in the success waves of feminism that have shaped the lives of all Kentuckians.

Exhibit Text in Spanish 

 

 

 

 

 

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First Wave, 1830's to 1920's

First Wave Feminism focused on women's right to vote. In 1838 - ten years before the Seneca Falls Convention - Kentucky passed the first permanent statewide suffrage law. It allowed any widow or female head of household over 21 who paid property taxes the right to vote in elections for the school system. However, in practice, this right was denied in many counties.

Despite strong opposition to women's involvement in politics, historical records indicate that women were running for, and gaining, office at unprecedented rates. Women in the United States led over 4,480 political campaigns before 1920 - 75% of which they won. Most of these campaigns were on the local level.

 

 

Need a crash course in first wave feminism? Check out this video:

 

 

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Between the Waves

Suffrage did not end women's fight for equality. Rather, it spurred more women to become active public figures and highlighted how other factors - such as race and class - marginalized women of color. It also encouraged women to fight for greater rights, including equal opportunities in education and employment. Women increasingly ran for more traditionally male offices, including state and national positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why did it take nearly 40 years for a Second Wave? View this discussion with Linda Gordon and Alice Kessler-Harris from Columbia University:

 

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Second Wave, 1960's to 1980's

Spurred by Simone de Beauvoir's Second Sex (1949) and Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique (1963), the Second Wave focused on eliminating systemic sexism that encouraged women to remain wives and mothers. This wave included social equality - resulting in the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title IX, and a series of landmark Supreme Court cases on reproductive rights.

It was also the first time in Kentucky's history where women of color successfully gained state office. In 1966, the General Assembly passed the first state civil rights law in the South - the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. This expanded the federal law - which prohibited racial and religious discrimination in businesses, employment, and public spaces - to also prohibit discrimination in housing and public accomodations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Third Wave, 1990's to 2000's

Third Wave feminism began in the early 1990s. Two moments spurred it on. First, Anita Hill's testimony abotu Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas prompted other women to speak out abotu sexual harassment. Second, the Riot Grrrl movement embraced a variety of ideas, language, and aesthetics that prompted some of the first intersectional fights for equality.

Despite comprising 51.6% of Kentucky's population in 1996, women held only 17% of elective positions. While the Third Wave urged political and societal change, Kentucky women's participation as elected officials remained one of the lowest in the nation.

 

 

Since the passage of the 19th Amendment, Kentucky has elected only two women to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Additionally, Kentucky women have held only eight of the 13 statewide offices.

 

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Fourth Wave takes the stage

Started in 2012, the Fourth Wave explicitly focuses on intersectionalism - calling attention to how social categories such as race, class, and gender combine to oppress others. Its advocates also seek to end violence against women, ensure equal pay for equal work, and/or grant women full bodily autonomy. They also encourage men to participate, and advocate to end harmful gender stereotypes. Using the Internet, fourth wave feminists have mobilized on a national scale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, we ask,

"When will Kentucky's elected officials become reflective of our populace?"

 

 

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Resources

This exhibit is drawn in part from the Rather-Westerman Collection. Named for its primary donors – WKU alumni Julius Rather (1958) and Robert Westerman (1971) – this collection holds over 10,000 artifacts that tell the story of political life in Kentucky. Objects in this collection are held jointly by the Kentucky Museum and WKU Department of Library Special Collections, and used in a variety of programs, courses, and exhibitions.

Additionally, this exhibit draws on artifacts from the Kentucky Museum and Library Special Collections joint project, America United/Divided. View the video below to learn more about the project and how you can donate artifacts:

Search selected artifacts from the collection on KenCat by clicking here.

Since the Kentucky Museum relies primarily on donations for collections care, these artifacts need the support of donors like you.  For just $20, you can adopt one artifact in the Museum’s Rather-Westerman collection. Click here to learn more.