Women United

Hey, what do you know! March 8 is International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate and respect (only in Asia and most parts of Europe is it an official holiday) women's economic, political, and social achievements. Once upon a time, the female American life did not consist of freedom, liberty, and equality; in fact, they had no right to vote, thus having little to no voice in American affairs and politics. As a result, some women advocated for more power in society in order to become a true citizen of the American community. In Florence Kelley's persuasive speech, she demonstrates strong command of rhetoric and compels the National American Woman Suffrage Association to join her effort in finding a new role for American women and pushing for new child labor laws. 

Through her argument, she connects the child labor cause with the women’s' rights cause. Like the children who are helpless in the waves of survival, the women are "powerless" to express themselves in society. During these times, finding someone who advocated so much for this cause was like finding pink elephants stomping through the urban roads of New York. However, Florence Kelley demonstrates her shining role as a reform leader in this powerful speech: she is a Jesus-like figure in the women's rights movement. While Jesus was one of the most influential people in human history, Florence Kelley was an influential reformer who advocated for women to be treated like everyone else. Not only did she advocate for women's power, but she also advocated for children to experience innocence in their youth and to have basic human rights.

Personally, I feel very thankful for the ability to go to school every day and learn new things rather than go to work in order to survive. Back then, children never had as much free time as we do today: no television, no video games, and no time to relax. While everyone in school seems to display annoyance and anger towards the school system, I feel gratified and appreciative of my opportunity to learn. Because of Florence Kelley, I have the ability to go to school and have leisure time rather than work simple jobs for endless hours.