What about a Women's Party?

[elshiva]

Doesn't NOW still want there to be a Women's Party? Not just for women, but for all people who actively support women's issues?

[The Traveler]

1. In a true multi-party system

I might even find myself a member of such a party, or at least highly sympathetic to its purposes and candidates. But a "Woman's Party" implies limited scope and a narrowing of perspective. Specialization of interest is implicit in the very name.

Though women's issues are important, they are not the only important issues, and not the only issues of concern to me.

One of the advantages of a Parliamentary system is that specialized voices can obtain representation. The way we manage things, howver, does not lend itself to that. Our two major political parties have always tended to be formed of groups with specialized interests, often in contention as much as cooperation. Specialized voices can still be heard, but not as easily, and often not as clearly.

[elshiva]

2. Thoughtful post, but you must understand that Women's Issues

are not strong in any of the existing parties...

[The Traveler]

3. Strong? Hell, they're marginalized.

Look, I'm pretty well informed on a wide range of issues, but if asked to list the Top 10 Women's Issues I would really have to struggle. Yet I would do better than many ... which is why I say they are marginalized.

Still ... one is very clear ... if a woman's right to determine her reproductive future is taken from her, then what rights can she have?

[oneold1-4u]

4. The issue of all women

"Though women's issues are important, they are not the only important issues, and not the only issues of concern to me."
All issues of women should be the first greatest concern in this world today.
If there was one month when the whole world had no issue (childbirth)from any women, all wars would end quickly, the stock market would hit bottom, manufacturing would come to a halt quickly, and possibly a couple of other changes!
If women ever realize their strength and power, they will have their own party and likely only share the presidency with a man because he has nothing better to do!

[The Traveler]

5. Oh, please

You can do better than that.

[RazzleCat]

6. Top Issues

Right to choose
Equal pay
Child care
Health care (Viagra is covered, birth control not so often)
Flexible work

See a few issues, and if you look close, its really family needs that women want. As long as we are the caretakers (in most cases) we have a great interest in family issues.

[LisaLynne]

7. I would also add ...

Care for the elderly or at least some sort of support. More and more adults are being forced to care for ailing parents, with women carrying the brunt of this, as they do with child care.

I think also violence against women is still a major, major concern. Why should someone feel less able to move about as they want, just because of their gender? It's something we've come to accept as "normal" that really, really shouldn't be.