Date of Birth: July 30, 1939
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Biography
Eleanor Smeal is a renowned American feminist activist who has significantly contributed to the women’s rights movement. Born on July 30, 1939, in Ashtabula, Ohio, Smeal has dedicated her life to advocating for gender equality and social justice. She served as the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW) twice, from 1977 to 1982 and again from 1985 to 1987. Smeal has been instrumental in pushing for legislation on issues such as reproductive rights, pay equity, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She is also a co-founder and the current president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering women and achieving political, social, and economic equality.
5 Interesting Facts about Eleanor Smeal
1. Eleanor Smeal was a key figure in the campaign to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) during the 1970s and 1980s.
2. She coined the term “gender gap” in American politics, highlighting the differences in political views and voting behaviors between men and women.
3. Smeal has testified before Congress on numerous occasions, advocating for women’s rights and social justice issues.
4. She played a crucial role in organizing the National March for Women’s Lives in 1986, one of the largest protests in U.S. history advocating for reproductive rights.
5. Eleanor Smeal was named one of the 100 most important women of the 20th century by Ladies’ Home Journal.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eleanor Smeal
1. “Equality is not a concept. It’s not something we should be striving for. It’s a necessity. Equality is like gravity. We need it to stand on this earth as men and women.”
2. “The fight for women’s rights is far from over. We must continue to push for equality in all aspects of life.”
3. “Reproductive rights are human rights. We cannot separate the two.”
4. “The gender gap is a political phenomenon that reflects the different priorities and experiences of men and women.”
5. “We must be vigilant and relentless in our pursuit of justice and equality for all.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Eleanor Smeal’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, as her career has been primarily focused on activism and non-profit work rather than personal financial gain.
Children
Eleanor Smeal and her husband, Charles Smeal, have two children, a son named Jason and a daughter named Sylvia.
Relevant Links
1. [Feminist Majority Foundation](https://www.feminist.org
2. [National Organization for Women (NOW](https://now.org
3. [Eleanor Smeal at Encyclopedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eleanor-Smeal
4. [Eleanor Smeal on Twitter](https://twitter.com/EleanorSmeal
5. [The Gender Gap Term](https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/11/magazine/where-the-women-vote.html