An interview by Christa Dowling
The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking. Albert Einstein (German/American physicist 1879-1955)
Whenever I read or hear about women’s rights or human rights, I equate it on the same level. How much longer have women to wait for equality? Yet since 1923 women have been fighting for equality; there is a fuse that has finally been lit to have the amendment added to the Constitution. Even after all these many years, women are still fighting for the respect and equality they deserve. There is nothing ambiguous about this thought, equality means ‘equal rights’ in pay for women but also to shape their own lives, which includes the right over their bodies. Politicians, staying out of women’s bodies – would be an important part! Making women equal ‘under the law’ is an important part of the Nation’s function. A force is embedded in this Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), that is not only about pay-inequality, which is still 82 cents to the dollar, for a minority, it is even less, but a clear decision on the Right of Women. It is the time!
Thousands if not millions of women have not only endorsed the ERA but fervently worked on the various issues, including pay, decency, common ground, and respect for one another. History as we have learned has focused on a long-overdue gender-based essential part of the celebrated freedom of this Equal Rights Amendment. Discrimination on the basis of sex, ethnicity, religion, race has divided this Nation for a long time and permeates all positive thinking. Initial steps are needed to remove gender and racial bias. It is essential to secure sex equality, not as a gift but as a constitutional right to the female citizens of this Nation…and this would be the 28th Amendment.
Many women have fervently devoted years, months, days, and hours to this subject. We had a chance to ask some questions of Marcy Syms, one of the forces driving this realization of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). She has worked with many different leaders as a founding member of the ERA Project, Liz Young, Wade Leak, Susan Bevan, Ting Ting Cheng, and Katherine Franke, Professor of Law at Columbia Law School. These are thought leaders to put women in charge. They have had and are having extraordinary achievements, making a difference, and knowing to be effective it takes character, courage, and commitment.
Here are some of Marcy Syms’s thoughts and answers.
What was the influence that brought you to the vision of the ERA?
Many years ago, in 1983, I was working at the New York Stock Exchange and became aware of the laws, about childcare, the dignity of labor, an appreciation of an equal voice; I had a great grandmother, who was my idol…as well as my father and my mother; she and they encouraged and influenced me in my vision. At that time the most important book was “Feminine Mystic” by Betty Friedan and being the oldest girl, I saw and learned what possibilities and entrepreneurship could be.
What advice would you share?
Often women don’t appreciate or know about being protected by law, to really understand its benefits and what is inhibiting their lives, they need to focus and follow these important court decisions. Even when I speak to Girl Scouts, about 9-10 years old, they realize for the first time that women and girls do not have equality. First, they yell, that is not fair, they want to know WHY. Kind of says it all.
What do you value in your friends?
Loyalty, genuine joy in sharing success, a moral compass, feeling mutually understood, appreciating values.
What quality do you like in another person?
Being consistent, honesty, moral, important of who you are today.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I have been told, in my work since 2013, that I am optimistic, have joie de vivre.
What is your treasured possession?
Not things, but memories…my Grandmother’s wisdom, Dad’s saying “don’t let the bastards win.”
What is your favorite occupation?
I love growing businesses, being a social entrepreneur, being part of the Yeshiva University in New York, my father’s Sy Syms School of business, was added to the University in 1987, where ethics and business skills are taught.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Trying to keep a balance, since I am a slightly public figure.
What is your idea of happiness?
Having a sense of purpose, being involved in progressing, sensitive to my environment.
What is your greatest regret?
That I did not have more influence, to make more changes; I am deeply saddened by the loss of so many people during these complex months.
Do you have a favorite destination for leisure time?
Oh, yes, theater, music, art, I am a cultural junkie and explore artistic endeavors whenever I can.
What is your life’s motto?
A saying by Golda Meir (First Woman PM in Israel 1898-1978): “Nothing just happens.”
Extraordinary achievements by women like Marcy Syms make a difference in many women’s lives, opening doors for women by encouraging the passing of the ERA. We now have the opportunity for a positive outcome, it is the singular goal and will benefit women now and for generations to come.
Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but no more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman. Maya Angelou (American Poet, Activist 1928-2014)
