Women's Issues
Wisconsin Historical Society
Are we there yet?
Wisconsin made history 100 years ago, becoming the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment, which gave women voting rights. But Wisconsin is less progressive than your teachers told you — and still has a long way to go to reach gender equality. Read more
Wisconsin Historical Society photos
Beginning the work
Meet some of the Wisconsin women who fought for women’s right to vote: Mathilde Anneke, Dr. Laura Ross Wolcott, Lila Peckham, Emma Brown, the Rev. Olympia Brown, Theodora Youmans, and Ada James. Read more
Mean streets
The #MeToo movement has targeted harassment and sexual misconduct in the workplace. But when will women be safe in public spaces? Read more
Koko Lee
#UsToo
In secret online forums, women are finding solidarity and protecting themselves by naming the men who have sexually assaulted and harassed them. Read more
Heather Huber
Not that kind of white feminist
Once dormant, the Madison chapter of the National Organization for Women has seen a huge revival thanks to activism spurred by the election of President Donald Trump. This time, the movement will be intersectional. Read more
Outrage into action
UW-Madison’s HEX-U program connects undergraduate humanities students with local organizations to partner on creative projects that benefit the community. In its second year, the program has room to grow. Read more
Robyn Vining
Important progress
Madison hosted one of the largest rallies last year to coincide with the national Women’s March, but not this year. Organizers instead held rallies in other cities to highlight the struggles and successes of people of color and elevate youth. Read more
Heart and hustle
From taking time for self care to transforming your side hustle into a full-time job, African American community leaders offer tips for success Read more
Justin Sprecher
Women unite and strike
Hundreds rally at state Capitol, take time from work and school for Madison’s “Day Without a Woman” demonstration. Read more
Justin Sprecher
Photos: International Women's Day Rally at the Capitol
International Women's Day rally at the Capitol Mar. 8, 2017. Read more
Tommy Washbush
“Don’t touch people. How hard is that?”
Have you been harassed at a music show? Tone Madison’s Consent, Amplified project aims to document and combat bad behavior at local venues. Read more
Speak up
Local WPR host Veronica Rueckert offers voice coaching that helps women be heard — and taken seriously. There are a host of behaviors common to women that often sabotage their presentations and ideas. Read more
Lauren Justice
Under attack
Health care providers at Planned Parenthood clinics are faced with a two-pronged attack: Threats of violence from anti-abortion extremists, and a legislative assault from conservative politicians. Read more
A political football
Jonathan Eig, author of “The Birth of the Pill: How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex and Launched a Revolution,” gets a case of “disturbing” deja vu when he hears about conservative attacks on Planned Parenthood. Read more
Lauren Justice
“Here we are again – or still”
A fierce thunderstorm last Thursday night didn’t dampen the resolve of thousands of activists who mobilized to protest sexual violence after a brutal Sept. 12 rape. But for longtime anti-violence advocates, the fight started long ago. Read more
David Michael Miller
Coming soon to a campus party near you: rape
A new book by Jon Krakauer attacks the problem of “date rape” at its core. Read more
David Michael Miller
The crusade against Planned Parenthood
Republicans have seized on a deceptively edited video to defund the family planning services provider. Read more
Where have all the women gone?
Director Robin Hauser Reynolds’ new documentary, “CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap,” explores the dearth of women in tech. Read more
Rape, incest and Scott Walker’s shrug
The governor has said he doesn’t care whether the Legislature sends him a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy with exceptions for rape or incest. Read more
Virginia Blaisdell
Woman power
Vile harassment of feminists didn’t start with #Gamergate. “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” is a smart new documentary about the modern feminist movement. Read more
