Crystal Eastman's Essay 'Now We Can Begin'

Women faced multiple challenges to establish themselves as equals to men throughout history however, this would have never been possible if not for social progress movements to eliminate gender barriers. Consider the statements of “that is woman’s work” and “that is man’s work”. First, imagine the year is 1920; what vision instantly comes to your mind in what was woman’s work and what was man’s work? Now, fast forward to current day; what instantly comes to mind in consideration of what is woman’s and man’s work? The comparison of the differences of 1920 and 2014 is night and day. Crystal Eastman, a socialist feminist, observed that the 19th Amendment was an important first step but that what women really wanted was freedom and equality. She was campaigning for the equivalence of women in social, political, cultural, and economic status. In the essay titled "Now We Can Begin," she laid out a plan toward this goal that is still relevant today and shared her vision of life that she wanted for herself and women across the nation. (Eastman)

She felt women must embark on a bold new crusade for their own freedom and Eastman was certainly willing to go along for the women’s movement campaign. Eastman was highly educated, well versed, believed in her cause and was not afraid to stand up for women’s rights. “She gave hundreds of speeches, organized fund-raising events and lobbied members of Congress while working with the Congressional Union” (Law). Simply put to get a groups attention you have to know what you are talking