Women's Rights

As more women enter the workforce, the issue of equal pay for equal work “comparable worth.”[1], or the re-evaluations of the social value of “feminized jobs,” can be a game changer, as both candidates will need the women’s votes to win the elections. Joe is a strong advocate for women’s rights. He strongly believes in the basic principles of equality and fairness. When elected, he plans to represent the women in the 4^th congressional district and fight for equal rights for women across the nation. Whether it be supporting the Affordable Care Act, which protects a woman’s access to fundamental health services and makes sure gender is no longer a basis for denying or limiting care; fighting against cuts to WIC and other programs that deliver assistance to women and children who need it most; defending the funds for Planned Parenthood and for critical family planning services that too often come under political assault; and championing polices like Violence Against Women Act, his fight for women’s right will enable a supportive path for all women across the nation.[2]
 

Over the past several years, the gender pay gap has decreased. However, the gap of true pay equity is still significantly high. Women in the workforce contribute a significant amount to the economy. What Joe represents is a possibility for women to be treated fairly and equally. Joe proposes a 7 point plan for fighting for fairness for women, as women rights is not only a civil rights issue but an economic priority for the entire country as well.
 

1.      Equal pay for equal work
 

For many years, women have received a better return for their contributions in the workplace compared to their male counterparts. The gender pay ratio continues to be significantly high as women with advanced degrees earn 77% of what their male coworkers earn. It was not until the 112^th Congress had voted against women receiving equal pay for equal works, of the importance of women’s rights.[3] It worries many, especially working women, the injustice women receive in the workplace. In the United States alone women constitute half of the workplace and are principal earners in 4 out of 10 households. How is congress going to mandate these women’s rights?

Joe, if elected in office, first proposes that women should receive equal pay for equal work. He establishes the importance of the president’s passed law, called the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, to the male population. He encourages the American population on their duties in ensuring women get the pay they deserve. Joe’s advocacy will challenge congress to abolish discrimination women face in the work place and strongly support Paycheck Fairness Act that requires employers to demonstrate that pay differentials are not gender-related, and prohibits them for retaliating against workers seeking equal pay.[4]
 

2.      Women, the Economy, and Workplace Flexibility
 

Women in the United States, tremendously affect the economic growth. Accounting for more than half of college and graduate school enrollees, women are pioneers of entrepreneurships, representing 30% of small-business owners, creating business at 150% the national average and produce firms that account $1.2 trillion a year in sales.[5] Not only are women in the United States breadwinners, their responsibility demands them to be caregivers in the private sphere. In the act of minimizing women and men discrimination in the workplace, Joe’s proposal is to modernize the workplace to meet the needs of America’s workforce. He will accomplish this goal by providing paid family leave and help ease the burden on working women and their families.[6] President Obama has set at aside $50 million in his budget. Obama’s budget will help find alternative solutions for Americans without having them choose between supporting a family and caring for one.
 

3.      Early Childhood Care and Education
 

In the United States, a family of two parents pay about 14.2% of childcare while a single mother pays an astonishing 53.6% of her take-home pay.[7] It is unbelievable the amount of money parents pay for a single child, not alone two or three children. However, a child’s development is crucial in early childhood education yet a percentage of families cannot afford early development for their child/children. How are working families and supporting women able to sustain a work family balance yet provide excellent care and quality education for their children?

Joe proposes, under his leadership, to use the $50million granted by Obama’s administrations in winning the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge, in doing more in protecting and expanding on such programs, as well as closely examining ways to improve their efficacy.[8]
 

4.      A Woman’s Right to Choose
 

In the past two years, Massachusetts has witnessed unacceptable assaults on women’s health. Joe’s strong advocacy for Planned Parenthood ensures critical health services for women.

Joe believes in granting all women full access to health services and support for a woman’s right to choose as in Roe v. Wade.[9] He firmly believes that women should be allowed to make important choices regarding their lives and health in consultation with their doctors. A woman should be entitled to full accessibility to health care options, including contraception, maternity and newborn care and confidential health services. Joe’s leadership will champion the course of woman to make these independent decisions about their body.[10]
 

5.      Protecting Women’s Health
 

Fifth on the agenda, is Joe’s stand on Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act delivers essential every day care to women and children. About 19% of no-elderly adult Massachusetts women and 31% of Massachusetts children rely on MassHealth.[11] The importance of the healthcare system provides women the opportunity to access affordable health care services such as birth controls, mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, etc...
 

6.      Strengthening the Violence Against Women Act

Since the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) became law 18 years ago, Massachusetts has witnessed marked improvements in responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.[12] Joe, as a former prosecutor, supports revitalizing the VAWA, which expired in 2011, and strengthening the existing laws which provide improved protections for Native America women, immigrant women, and same-sex couples. He also believes that regardless of ethnicity, heritage or sexual orientation, everyone person who lives in America should be free from the threat of violence.[13]
 

7.      Women in the Military
 

Lastly, Joe is interested in increased participation of women in the military force and that their rights should be protected. It is estimated that by 2025, women will account for 25% of U.S armed forces. The diversity in the military will be filled by the most qualified personnel, regardless of gender. Unfortunately, there have been cases of more women who are either sexually assaulted or harassed during their military service, and end up leaving the military. Joe will push congress to change the culture that finds outcomes permissible and ensure the military is adequately prosecuting perpetrators.[14] In addition, Congress should concentrate on the 1.2million women veterans and the challenges they face with homelessness and veteran-housing for their children. Women soldiers have brought courage, hard work, skills and diversity to their ranks. Joe believes they deserve policies adapted to better meet their needs.[15]

 

Analysis/Critique on Opponent: Sean Bielat

        As mentioned earlier, Joe is running against GOP candidate Sean Bielat. Joe and Sean have two very different beliefs regarding Women’s Rights. In the candidate’s first televised debate on WCVB, Sean, a prolife advocate, stated that congress should repeal Roe v. Wade. It is because, like most Republicans, particularly the religious right, Sean believes it is the right way to make legislation for sweeping social changes through legislators and voting processors.[16]

Speaking on behalf of women voters in the USA, my rights as a woman would be in jeopardy under the leadership of Sean. Why? Although, Sean believes in the social and political movement for saving a life, the entitlement a women has over her body would not be a right. Regardless going or not going through an abortion, health concerns such as rape and the endangerment to a women’s health would not be seen as an important issue to Sean and his team. A question some may wonder is whether Sean values equality for both men and women, whether it being health concerns or in the workforce. 

 In the candidate’s last debate, Sean informed his female audience about his understanding of women’s issues to be different from that of Joe. He hears issues that matter to all and believes the concerns on paying for the bills; helping family growth; paying for the children’s education are all women issues. Questions concerning how national security looks like or how it should look like? Sean believes are also women’s issues.

 

In the debate, Joe criticized his opponent by restating his strong support for women’s ability to access safe and confidential healthcare as it is a basic constitutional protection. [17] Joe’s fight for fairness for women ensures women to have equal opportunities, as do the male population. The rights of women need to be fought and preserved as women constitute the majority of the population.

Work Cited

Enloe, Cynthia & Joni Seager (2011).“The Real State of America Atlas”Mapping the myths and truths of the United States. Penguin Books. USA (pp.52)

Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website: “Fighting Fairness for Women” http://joekennedy2012.com/fighting-for-fairness-for-women/

WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 2)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

Sean Bielat-Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College (Part 3/7) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=wSxO7EaIqes

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[1] Cythnia Enloe & Joni Seager, “The Real State of America Atlas” p.52

[2] Sean Bielat’s Campaign Website  “Fighting for fairness for women”: http://joekennedy2012.com/where-i-stand/#womens-rights

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid

[8] Ibid

[9] Ibid

[10] Ibid

[11] Ibid

[12] Ibid

[13] Ibid

[14] Ibid

[15] Ibid

[16] WCVB: Bielat vs. Kennedy Debate (Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69He-l8I8iA&feature=bf_next&list=PLRe0KrUwWVHmPiX1pQ2FTNn6MuGeVaysQ

[17] Sean Bielat-Joe Kennedy III Debate at Wellesley College http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=wSxO7EaIqes (Part 3/7)