
Every year, we watch the State of the Union at a crowded bar or at home following along on the Twitterverse. This year, we did the exact same thing. Except we also played bingo.
The American Association of University Women—a non-profit focusing on women's equality–created three bingo cards especially for the #SOTU, with terms and buzzwords they thought we would hear from President, like "equal pay," "campus sexual assault," "STEM," and "she."
We were so ready to check off all those boxes—but we never had the chance. Other than calling for guaranteed paid sick leave and delivering a nice zinger about equal pay (without actually calling on Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act), the President failed to mention many of the issues that featured on the AAUW cards—things that matter to women. Like the fact that reproductive rights are still being eroded on a state-by-state basis or that 2014 saw an unprecedented rise in awareness around the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses.
Still, in his final State of the Union, Obama made many galvanizing points. He focused on "middle class economics" and working families and highlighted the need for affordable, high-quality childcare and free community college tuition. He emphasized the threat of climate change, urging countries around the world to follow the lead of the U.S. and China, who struck a historic deal to cut carbon emissions last year, the warmest on record. It was also a historic speech, marking the first time a president has used the words "transgender" and "bisexual" in a State of the Union address.
But after such a pivotal year for feminists—with Malala Yousafzai winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Laverne Cox and trans rights covering Time magazine, and the awareness raised by #YesAllWomen—we were let down. We hate to think it will take a female President for women's issues to come to the political fore...but we're so ready when they do.
You should also check out:
These Will Be the Biggest Feminist Issues of 2015
Surprise Surprise: Republican Men Don't Want a Female President
Kayla Webley Adler is the Deputy Editor of ELLE magazine. She edits cover stories, profiles, and narrative features on politics, culture, crime, and social trends. Previously, she worked as the Features Director at Marie Claire magazine and as a Staff Writer at TIME magazine.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun Safety
The Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
By Sen. Tammy Duckworth
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein