PWM+Base+Document,+Founding+Document,+and+Declaration,+2006

**
 * Progressive Women’s Movement


 * PWM Base Document, Founding Document, and Declaration, 2006 **

In the following 12 pages are the following three documents, taken from the Progressive Women’s Movement pages on the African National Congress Women’s League web site: · ** [|Base Document] [|of the Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa]  ** · ** [|Founding document of the Progressive Women's Movement] ** · ** [|Declaration of the Progressive Women's Movement, 8 August 2006] **

** A Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa ** Women struggles in South Africa started before the last century. Women took a lead in the fight for land after the promulgation of the land act. At this time they were not full members of the liberation movement, they were deemed as associate members, yet they were able to define their role within the struggles of the South African Society. They formed an organisation, the Bantu Women's League under the leadership of Charlotte Maxeke because of her deep understanding of the challenges facing women in South Africa. The League represented all the women of South Africa irrespective of and class and education consequently, women fought for their rights and the rights of all the oppressed people. It is during this time that the liberation movement came to realise that women are powerful allies and that they have a role in the fight against apartheid. When they became full members of the ANC they continued to work with women from other racial groups, rural areas, professional women, peasants and others. The Federation of South African Women showed that united women have the power. The 09 August March against the carrying of passes bears testimony to the collective strength, determination and unity amongst women of all races and class. The government of the day had banned the march and women defied the ban, and brought the whole country to a standstill.
 * __Base Document__**
 * Theme: "Women marching for equality, peace and development" **
 * 1. Background Information **

The decision to form a progressive Women's Movement was taken at a conference in Amsterdam in Netherlands before the unbanning of political organisations. South African women from all works of life attended the conference.

After the unbanning of political organisations, negotiations started, initially women were excluded from taking part in the negotiations. As a result women formed a coalition of women from different political backgrounds and political affiliations. Through the National Women's Coalition of South Africa, women were able take part in the negotiations and to articulate their demands. Women had drawn up a Women's Charter for Effective Equality, which was a build up from the Women's Charter of 1954. Women presented the Women's Charter for Effective Equality to the first democratic government under the leadership of the then President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The hopes and aspirations that were raised by women are now contained in the present constitution.

The Women's National Coalition disintegrated after the adoption of the South African Constitution. This is due to the fact that women focused more on party politics, rather than on issues that affect us as women. Instead we regard issues that affect us as unimportant.

The ANC and the ANC WL however have held a view that there is a need for some kind of an organic structure that will take up broader issues of women in the South African Society. This is part of the role that the Women's League has played in marshalling women to fight for their emancipation.

Over the years various discussion papers and resolutions have been developed and adopted on the purpose, character and proposed programme of establishing a progressive women's movement. For this reason the ANC WL and Alliance Partners have proposed the formation of a progressive Women's Movement whose key objective is to promote the transformation of South African Society into one that is truly non-racial and non-sexist.

The new challenges facing the women of South Africa today demand that we form this Women's Movement so that we can meet the present challenges as a united force, in order to be in line with the transformation that is taking place in our country, NEPAD, AU and the United Nations.

In October 2005 during one of its meetings the National Executive Committee of the Women's League decided it would be ideal if South African women to formalize a Progressive Women's Movement in 2006. The NEC chose this year because it marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Women's March to Pretoria. Furthermore, this year was chosen because we commemorate 10 years of a democratic constitution as well as 30 years of the 1976 June uprising. After extensive discussions, as the ANCWL and Alliance partners we have agreed that a Women's Movement is a broad front of women's organisations, grassroots organisations of all kinds, feminist oriented groups, researchers, faith based organisations, traditional healers, women involved in policy formulation and programmes.
 * 2. What is the Women's Movement? **

The Women's League states that the Movement must be progressive and diverse. That it should be shaped by local struggles and has to acknowledge that women are not a homogeneous group. Similarly the movement should advocate the ethos of transforming South Africa into a non-sexist, non-racial, democratic, united and prosperous South Africa. As well as an understanding of social relationships of class, race, ethnicity, age, religion etc.

What's more, the movement should respond to specific conditions of gender inequality through a minimum platform for action. Moreover the League advise that the formation of the progressive women's movement will enable women to resolve fundamental disagreements or differences through dialogue so that we can sharpen our understanding of the challenges facing us. The women's movement must target women from different sectors so as to ensure that there is representativity. These should include women from rural areas, business sector, professional sector, faith based organisations, workers, young women, women with disabilities, elderly women, workers, unemployed women, women from political parties who are committed to our grounding principles. 1. Unite the women of South Africa in diversity; 2. To strengthen the relationship between the government and women's organisations; 3. Ensure that women that are committed to women's agenda have their forum; and 4. Fight against the discrimination of women in all spheres of life.
 * 3. Principles guiding the Women's Movement **
 * Fight for the emancipation of women and gender equality;
 * Fight Patriarchy;
 * Minimum and single platform for action
 * Try and increase a coherent and common approach to issues that affect us;
 * Develop good relations in order to shape the development of policy positions;
 * Agree to differ, maintain independence of member organisations but work towards unity;
 * Provide a support base for all women;
 * Ensure the involvement of women in peace and security processes.
 * Consolidation of economic, social, governance and political programmes; and
 * Collaborate with other social movements who have already been established.
 * 4. Character of the Women's Movement **
 * Organic - not a formal structure;
 * Issue based - e.g. focus on issues that affect women based on the programme and challenges that face women at a specific time;
 * Committed to transforming South Africa into a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and a prosperous South Africa;
 * Work with organisations that have a liberation movement background and those from the disciplined left;
 * A home for Women who are committed to fighting poverty and those who have committed themselves to working towards a better life for all.
 * Commitment to fighting for women's rights.
 * Working class biasness.
 * 5. Targeted Groups **
 * 6. Objectives **
 * 7. Areas of Focus **
 * 7.1 Economic Transformation **
 * Access to Economic Resources
 * Job Creation
 * Self Employment
 * Access to Credit
 * Access to Information Technology
 * 7.2 Social Transformation **
 * Access to Housing
 * Access to Health
 * Access to Land
 * Access to Basic Infrastructure
 * Social Grants and Social Services
 * Access to Education and Skills
 * 7.3 Governance **
 * Working towards 50% representation in all governance and decision-making bodies including business.
 * Educating women on legislation and policies empowering women and advocating for progressive laws that empower women.
 * 7.4 Monitoring **
 * Support and monitor the implementation of international instruments such as NEPAD, CEDAW, Beijing +10, World Trade Organisation and African Union.
 * 7.5 International Relations **
 * Work towards creating a better Africa and a better world.
 * Strengthen our relationship with international as well as continental organisations such as PAWO. Look at the possibility of forming chapters that will liase with other sectors in the continent and the world over.
 * Strengthen international solidarity with international organisations from the disciplined left.


 * __Founding Document__ **

** The Founding Document of the Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa ** We, as South African Women: - Declare our aim of striving for the removal of all laws, regulations, conventions and customs that discriminate against us as women and deprive us in any way of our inherent right to the advantages, responsibilities and opportunities that society offers to any one section of the population. (Quoted from the Women's Charter adopted in 1954)
 * Preamble: **

We Recognise: - a. The changes that have been brought by the new dispensation in our country. Democracy has put a progressive government in power and the constitution of our country treats women as equal to men as stipulated in section 9 of the Bill of Rights, it has also provided us with Chapter 9 Institutions that have been put into place to ensure that there is gender equality in this country. b. There is access to resources; women are now put in decision-making structures. However, our unjust past impacts negatively on women's access to economic, social and political justice and equal protection and benefit from the law. c. The social consequences of our unjust past continue to undermine equal enjoyment of all fundamental rights and freedoms.

Further Recognising that: - Women need to articulate clear analysis of the links between gender relations and systemic and persistent crisis in social reproduction, human security and governance.

Whereas we: - i. Are committed to the advancement and empowerment and emancipation of women in order to achieve gender equality in economic, social, political, cultural and personal dimensions. ii. Are committed to the protection and the promotion of fundamental human rights and equality before the law as enunciated in the Constitution and relevant international instruments.

Noting that: - We Commit Ourselves to: - i. Advance the struggle for women's emancipation, gender equality, and power relations. ii. The eradication of gender discrimination and other forms of inequality or abuse in all spheres of life; and iii. A women's movement for global justice and development.
 * As South Africans we come from a history of legalised and institutionalised injustice based on race, class, religion, gender and other factors.
 * Patriarchy is so deeply embedded in all spheres of our lives from the family, media, education, work, state including the judiciary and all other institutions.

We Further Commit Ourselves to: - iv. Encourage and promote the role of women in all the spheres of the society and the protection of fundamental human rights and women's rights in particular. v. Promote unity and co-operation among all women in the country. The name of the organisation shall be Progressive Women's Movement of South African
 * Section 1: Name **
 * Section 2: Objectives **

The objectives of the Movement are to:

2.1 Unite the women of South Africa in diversity and in action. We must ensure that we have a minimum platform of action so as to sustain this unity. 2.1.1 Finding a model of human security that does not strip women of their human rights which will help to help the women who seek peace and justice to understand that this model can be achieved by addressing issues of racism and class, and the sexism that is integral to both. 2.1.2 Highlighting the linkages between social, economic, political and cultural conditions. 2.1.3 Propose alternative ways of exercising power and distributing resources, and defining how society might be organised if it was grounded in feminist values. 2.1.4 Finding sources of finance that are supportive of women and of feminist organisations at local, provincial, regional and national level.

2.2 Deepen democracy, so as to ensure that we fight patriarchy. Some of institutions that we have been able to access still maintain the culture, values and norms of a patriarchal society and the movement must enable us to fight these atrocities and the demon of patriarchal society and the movement must enable us to fight these atrocities and the demon of patriarchy that is in the family, church, government institution, judiciary etc. through all forms of struggle. 2.2.1 Create space where the intellectual and strategic work necessary for the strengthening of local women's organisations can take place. 2.2.2 To ensure that we fight patriarchy and strengthen gender equality in our society 2.2.3 Contribute to strengthening the larger movement for global justice: · With women within and outside PWMSA; · With young women; · With mainstream NGOs and social movements; · With the state; · With multinational institutions. · With international structures that are committed to women's issues

2.3 Fight triple oppression for the emancipation of women through persuasion, contestation, compromise, pressure, confrontation and whatever form of struggle. 2.3.1 Act as a focal point for linking women from different localities by producing analysis and strategies that draw on local, regional differences and strengths 2.3.2 Provide a forum for cooperation and networking amongst women. 2.3.3 Building solidarity, starting with the particularities of women's realities.

2.4 Fight for both practical gender needs and specific gender needs with the aim of bringing women from diverse sectors with different challenges, diverse cultures etc. so as to strengthen their voice so as to ensure that they transform this country into a non-racial non-sexist, united and democratic South Africa. 2.4.1 Encourage and conduct research, analysis and advocacy that are central to raising awareness. Further to support research centres and women's studies programmes within the academy in order to contribute to the promotion of feminist perspectives or sensitization of the state for women's concerns. 2.4.2 Contribute to women's studies to the enrichment of scholarship in a number of fields - not just humanities and social sciences. 2.4.3 Address the centrality of family, community and religion in women's lives. 2.4.4 To ensure that there is activism and visibility of women in all spheres of life with the aim of dislodging patriarchy.

2.5 Fight poverty and create jobs for the emancipation of all women, in particular poor black rural women and working class women who brunt the burden of poverty and who ensure that they create survival tactics to fight poverty. 2.5.1 Ensure that women are involved in economic development forums that exist at local government level. 2.5.2 Participate in business forms through Black Economic Empowerment structures. 2.5.3 Benefit from the Affirmative Action Programmes.

2.6 Defend the gains that the women of South Africa have made through the selfless sacrifices of both sung and unsung heroines of our struggle.
 * Section 3: Membership of the Movement **

3.1 Membership

3.1.1 Regular Membership a. Regular membership of the movement shall be open to any progressive South African women's organisation and formations that work with women that share the values and principles of the PWMSA. b. Application for membership shall be in writing to the Secretariat and upon acceptance by the Steering Committee the member shall be liable for the applicable annual dues. c. The Secretariat shall keep a register of the members of the Movement

Honorary Members Persons nominated by any member and approved by the Steering Committee, may become honorary members. An Honorary member is not eligible to hold office. Such member will be required to pay all dues and shall receive all general publications and correspondence of the Movement.

Termination of Membership 3.4.1 Member organisation shall notify the Steering Committee in writing of their resignation from the Movement. 3.4.2 an organisation that has resigned from the Movement may apply for re-instatement.
 * Section 4: The Structure of the Movement **

4.1 National Steering Committee

4.1.1 Selection and Tenure a. There shall be a National Steering Committee comprising of sectors that form the Movement. b. The National Steering Committee shall include a convenor of each province, in the absence of convenor a representative will attend. c. National Steering Committee shall be composed of representatives from different active sectors to serve for a period of five (5) years to reflect the diversity of the membership. d. National Conference shall identify sectors for representation to the steering committee. e. After the Conference of the PWMSA the previous committee in conjunction with the newly seconded members will convene a handing over meeting within a period of a month. f. The National Steering Committee shall hold office for a period of five (5) years i. Until their successors are seconded; ii. Become for one reason or another disqualified;

4.1.2 Meetings of the National Steering Committee i. Members of the National Steering Committee shall meet at least once in three (3) months ii. The quorum for meetings of the Members of the National Steering Committee shall be half plus one of the members of the Committee.

4.1.3 Powers and Duties of the Committee a. The Steering Committee shall elect a Convenor and assign portfolios and responsibilities to the members of the Steering Committee b. They shall carry out and monitor the decisions of the National Conference c. They shall coordinate the establishment of Provincial Steering Committees d. Receive reports from sub-committees e. Any member who is unable to attend any meeting shall notify the Secretariat prior to the commencement of the meeting. The Convenor shall contact any member organisation for its member who misses three (3) meetings in a row, without notification to the Secretariat, and ask if the Member wishes to continue serving on the National Steering Committee.

4.1.4 Meetings a. Members of the Steering Committee shall meet at least once in three months b. The quorum for meetings of the Members of the Steering Committee shall be half plus one of the members of the Committee.

4.1.5 Committees A. There shall be such other Committee(s) and ad hoc committees, as the Steering Committee may from time to time deem necessary B. Each Committee shall have a Coordinator. C. The Coordinator of a Committee shall perform all duties incidental to the office of the Convenor, and the Steering Committee may determine such other duties as.

4.1.6 Provincial Steering Committees There shall be a Provincial Steering Committee comprised of representatives from sectors that exist in such a province, namely: · Eastern Cape · Free State · Gauteng · KwaZulu Natal · Limpopo · Mpumalanga · North West · Northern Cape · Western Cape

4.1.7 Selection and Tenure Member organisations shall be seconded by the sectors present at the Provincial General Meeting that will take place annually, and shall assume office at the end of the meeting at which they were appointed. The Provincial Committee members shall hold office for a period of three years.

4.1.8 Meetings of the Provincial Committee i. The Provincial Steering Committee shall meet every second month. ii. The quorum for meetings of the Members of the Provincial Committee shall be half plus one of the members of the Committee.

4.1.9 Powers and duties of the Provincial Steering Committee a. The Provincial Steering Committee shall elect a Convenor and assign responsibilities to the members of the Steering Committee. b. The Provincial Conference on consensus may delegate the Provincial Steering Committee to appoint sector committees to deal with matters relating to economic transformation, social transformation and governance c. The Provincial Committee; shall appoint convenors and members of all sub-committees. d. The Members of the Provincial Committee shall meet on a regular basis to conduct the business of the Movement at Provincial level.
 * Section 5: General meeting of the Movement **

5.1 Provincial Conference i. There shall be a Conference meeting of the Movement in every province at the end of the term of office (3 years). ii. The Conference may be held in a venue and a date confirmed by the Provincial Steering Committee in consultation with the National Steering Committee any where in the province. iii. The Provincial Steering Committee shall determine the location in the province and the date of the Conference. iv. The Provincial Steering Committee shall circulate amendments to the founding document and the base documents six months before the conference. v. Notice of the location and date of the Provincial Conference shall be communicated to all members by April 15 in each year vi. The agenda of the Provincial Conference together with the Minutes of the previous Conference.  vii. Quorum at the Provincial Conference shall comprise one third of membership in good standing. A simple majority based on consensus by the members in good standing present shall pass resolutions.

5.2.1 National Council A National Council of the Movement shall be convened by the National Steering Committee through the Convenor at such time and at such place as may be specified by her in a written notice of such meeting and must be called within 30 (thirty) days upon written request lodged with the Secretary by at least one third of the members in good standing. At any National Conference the only business that shall be discussed shall be that which has been specified in the written request lodged by the members concerned, unless the Steering Committee in her discretion otherwise permits. If for any reason the Convenor is unable to convene the National Council duly requested by members, the vice Convenor shall do so.

5.2 National Conference The National Conference shall be the highest decision body of the Progressive Women's Movement. It shall deliberate on programmes upon receipt of reports. It will give guidance to the consolidation of economic, social, governance and political programmes of the structure. It will further evaluate and review the platform of action. It will receive and discuss the reports of the Movement that will be tabled by the Steering Committee (audited statement). Have the right and power to review and rectify its base document and related developed documents. Have the authority to amend the founding document The Steering Committee shall have the power to authorise expenditure on behalf of the Movement from time to time for the purposes of furthering the objectives of the Movement in accordance with such terms and conditions as the Member Organisation of the Steering Committee may direct. The monies of the Movement shall be deposited and disbursed in accordance with any Banking Resolution passed by the Steering Committee. There will be a Code of Conduct and procedures 8.1 Period Each member shall, on an annual basis pay dues for every five years. 8.2 Quantum The National Conference shall determine the amount of the annual dues for a given five year period by November 15 of the previous year. 8.3 Dues In every five years, the Steering Committee shall remit the dues owing to any body to which the Movement is affiliated. 9.1 General Unless expressly prohibited by law, the Movement shall fully indemnify any member organisation threatened to be cited as a party to an action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a member organisation or agent of the Movement or served any other enterprise at the request of the Chapter, against all expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding The National Steering Committee shall in consultation with the relevant Committee have the power to appoint auditors to audit the books annually. 11.1 The Movement may close down if at least two-thirds of the members present and voting at a meeting convened for the purpose of considering such matter, are in favour of closing down. 11.2 When the Movement closes down it has to pay off all its debts. After doing this, if there is property or money left over, it should not be paid or given to members of the organisation. It should be given in some way to another non-profit organisation that has similar objectives. The Movement's general meeting can decide what organisation this should be.
 * Section 6: Finance **
 * Section 7: Disciplinary Procedure **
 * Section 8: Dues **
 * Section 9: Indemnity **
 * Section 10: Auditors **
 * Section 11: Dissolution / Winding-Up **

This founding document was approved and accepted by members of PROGRESSIVE WOMEN'S MOVEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA

We the women of South Africa representing women from different sectors, some progressive political organisations, the trade union movement, civic organisations, the religious bodies, business, professional organisations, NGOs, CBOs, different spheres of government, the young, the women living with disabilities, the old and the women veterans of the struggle - coming from all the provinces of South Africa gathered in Mangaung, Free State from 5 to 8 August 2006 ,to launch a Progressive Women's Movement in South Africa. We were honoured to share this historic gathering with women from Angola, India, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
 * __Declaration__ **
 * Declaration of the Progressive Women's Movement **
 * 8 August 2006 **

We salute the pioneers that paved the way for us, we remember the gallant heroines and heroes who rose against colonialism; those who protested the pass laws; those who took united action against unjust labour laws; those women who under severe conditions of poverty, oppression and exploitation, created homes, educated and developed and produced leaders of yester year and today.

In recalling the history of SA and the triple fold struggle characterized by class, race and gender oppression saluted the struggles which led us to democracy and paid tribute to our democratically elected government and gave recognition to the quantitative and qualitative achievements of our Democracy.

We acknowledge the Democratic state for providing the space which ensure the deepening of the struggles for women's emancipation, by ensuring: We take cognizance of the fact that these advances improved the quality of life and status of women and laid the foundation for the changing of power relations between men and women through the Constitution adopted 10 years ago.
 * Access to decision making levels especially the political, the judiciary,
 * Access to resources like clean water, sanitation and electricity,
 * Access to education and health,
 * Creation of an environment for the empowerment of women through a progressive constitution and the enactment of gender sensitive legislation as well as engendered policies,
 * Establishment of programmes, laws and the development of institutionalized national machinery.

We note that Democracy provided the voices of women space to be heard on matters of concern to their lives, their wellbeing and that of society.

We recognized that there are qualitative changes in our lives particularly the attitudinal changes in the value structures within families and society.

We recognize that there are major challenges that women still face as women due to non institutionalization and legislated programmes, mechanisms and processes that ensure parity in society.

We assert that many women have not as yet tasted the fruits of our liberation particularly working class, rural, and poor women. Women in our society continue to be brutalised by the patriarchal system that is re-enforced by regressive elements of our culture and customs. It is spread throughout and continuously reinforced by the whole society, including through education, work, religion and the media, so much so, that it is assumed as natural, god given or part of our culture.
 * We note: **
 * We note that the patriarchal system is the ideology, beliefs, values and practices underpinning the organisation and structure of society, resulting in unequal power relations between women and men and the subordination of women in all spheres of life from the private sphere, mainly the family.

We further note that despite gains made, women continue to suffer in the following; The Age of Hope is upon us and we must deliver to make the tomorrow of women a better and brighter one.
 * violence against women particularly domestic violence and child abuse
 * Subordination of women
 * The feminization of poverty, underdevelopment and unemployment.
 * Sexual harassment at the workplace and in farms.
 * Objectification of women in society especially in and by the media in particular.
 * None recognition of women's work in the GNP
 * Casualisation of women workers.
 * Hundreds of thousands of other women are exploited in sweat-shops or are in casualised insecurity. The impact of this has been devastating on the lives of millions of South Africans, particularly working class blacks and women.
 * That, whilst customary laws were introduced, women are still faced by patriarchal problems.
 * That whilst our economy grows at an impressive rate, women are still relegated to the entry level and remain in the main in the informal
 * economic sphere. Those women in general do not own the means of production and still remain at the lowest rung in the job industry.
 * That Business relegates women to casual work and renders them vulnerable to retrenchments, outsourcing and causalisation.
 * That access to basic services whilst available, are inaccessible to debt ridden and blacklisted households and deny women access to basic needs such as home ownership and higher education dependent on loans.
 * We resolve: **
 * To fulfill the decision taken by the women of South Africa at the historical Malibongwe Conference held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in January 1990 and launch a Progressive Women's Movement under the theme AGE OF HOPE :WOMEN MARCHING FOR EQUALITY DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE.
 * That the Progressive Women's Movement operating within a patriarchal society, will operate on the principle that women's rights are human rights and these rights are indivisible and interrelated.
 * The objectives of the PWM shall be to :
 * work in partnership with women in all sectors for social transformation.
 * pay particular attention to the development of young women and to encourage their inclusion on all progressive structures.
 * take the struggles of women to higher levels and consolidate the gains already achieved in pursuit of the establishment of a truly democratic, non racial, non sexist and prosperous South Africa.
 * Strengthen existing progressive Women's Organizations and the role and responsibilities of women in all national progressive organizations.
 * Promote gender equality, and strengthen the gender machinery within government , the legislatures and civil society.
 * Ensure that the commitments made by our government on the rights of women are implemented.
 * Deal with the concrete concerns of women and grounded in the aspirations of women in general and the working class women in particular.
 * That the platform of action will address issues which unite women in action and include the Beijing platform of action, social upliftment, Crime and human Trafficking, access to information through the translation of all government documents into all languages including brail and other issues as may be identified by the PWM.
 * Pay special attention to the developmental needs of the most vulnerable women in our society in general and rural women in particular.
 * We commit to eradicate poverty and unemployment
 * support women affected and infected by HIV and AIDS
 * Document the history and work of women.
 * That the structure of the PWM shall at the core include the most marginalized women in our society, with a national structure which is representative and inclusive of all progressive sectors of our society.
 * That the PWM shall embark on a process to solidify the relationship of the progressive women of South Africa with each other.
 * seek common areas of action with progressive women's organizations globally.
 * We pledge to support women from all walks of life in our quest for unity and sisterhood.
 * We salute all progressive men in their quest to support the emancipation of women.
 * We call on all others to join the struggle and the democratization and transformation of our society.
 * We call on all Progressive women in our country to join hands and build a strong and enduring women's movement.