Ep 6. The Fight for Women's Rights

In the sixth episode of the second season of We'll Meet Again, entitled The Fight for Women's Rights, veteran Ann Curry reunites two women who were part of the fight for equality between men and women in the United States during the 1960s and 70s. Their stories illustrate how integral women were in the social movements that reshaped the country during that period.

The women, both of whom were in their 20s at the time, shared a passion and dedication for women's rights. The first woman Ann Curry reunites is JoEllen Chernow, who felt a strong sense of injustice when she realized that men who were her equals in terms of education and qualifications were making significantly more money than she was in her job. Determined to fight for equal pay for equal work, she joined a New York City group of women called WAGES (Women's Action for Greater Employment Security). Through her involvement with the group, she became part of a larger movement advocating for women's rights.

The second woman Ann Curry reunites with is Diane Teichert, who was a young housewife and mother of two children when she became involved in the feminist movement. She was inspired by the works of writer Betty Friedan, who argued that the women's role in society needed to be redefined, and that women should have the same opportunities as men. Diane started attending consciousness-raising groups, where women discussed their experiences and shared their frustrations about the societal expectations placed on them. Through these groups, Diane found support and a sense of community.

Both JoEllen and Diane were heavily involved in the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) movement during the 1970s. The amendment sought to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their sex, would have equal treatment under the law. The ERA had been first introduced to Congress in 1923, but it was not until the 1970s that it gained significant traction and became part of the national conversation. JoEllen and Diane were part of a group of women in New York City who participated in a march in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the ERA.

Through Ann Curry's interviews with JoEllen and Diane, viewers gain insight into the challenges women faced then, and some that still persist today. Despite their activism, JoEllen was still being paid less than men in her company, and Diane struggled with her husband's inability to accept her independence. Both women reflect on the changes they have seen in society since their activism, but acknowledge that there is still more work to be done to achieve full gender equality.

The episode touches on several issues affecting women at the time, including reproductive rights, sexual liberation, and childcare. Women like JoEllen and Diane played a crucial role in shaping the conversation around these issues and paved the way for future generations of women to continue working towards equality.

Throughout the episode, viewers will see Ann Curry guide JoEllen and Diane towards their long-awaited reunion. As they rekindle their friendship, they share their memories of their involvement in the movement and reflect on the progress that has been made since then.

The Fight for Women's Rights is an important reminder that the fight for gender equality has been a long and ongoing struggle, and that progress does not happen overnight. Through the individual stories of JoEllen and Diane, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by earlier generations of women who fought for the rights that we often take for granted today.