The Young Feminist Party: A New Generation’s Push to Pass the Equal Rights Amendment

Less than 100 days before the US presidential election of 2024, a budding national coalition of under-30 feminists gathered in Washington D.C. determined to address one of the most glaring omissions of US democracy: the absence of sex equality within its Constitution.

The Young Feminist Party (YFP) represents the latest generational movement to champion the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), recognizing its profound importance in providing stronger protections for all under the highest law of the land. Through advocacy, vigor, and inclusivity the YFP are determined to advocate for a more equal future by way of the ERA. 

The ERA, an Inclusive Cause

The ERA holds the potential to safeguard sexual and reproductive health, economic, and LGBTQ+ rights, offering a robust legal foundation to combat discrimination. With energy and excitement, YFP members came together from across the country for a three day convention, united by a shared vision of a future where legal protections are extended to everyone, regardless of sex or gender.

In the conference rooms  of a historic  hotel in the center of Washington D.C., a diverse group of young leaders gathered to learn from one another, share experiences, and strategize on how to make their voices heard by decision makers. This “wasn’t like a typical convention,” said Ana Law, aLegal Fellow at Equality Now, who presented during the convention. “Each session was very interactive with engaging discussions throughout. Usually conferences are very formal, very by the book. But there everyone was super excited to be there, and even doing chants. There was also a focus on developing community guidelines which made it feel more like a community rather than a work event.”

Around the main meeting room, flipcharts, post-its, and paintings completed during the welcome ceremony of the convention adorned the walls and set the tone for the discussions. 

The nontraditional nature of the convention’s atmosphere speaks very much to how YFP is run overall. The movement is shaped like a democracy,  where every voice matters and there is an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and representation. 

Throughout the event, it was clear that the ERA is not just about women’s rights—it’s about human rights. YFP’s vision of the ERA is one that protects all sexes and genders to ensure that the amendment reflects the diverse and multifaceted nature of  present day society in the US.

Speaking to this, Ella, an organizer of the YFP convention, emphasized that we “need  the ERA because it’s time for queer people to be in the Constitution.” 

Beyond Other Equality Movements 

From the Women’s Suffrage movement to the Civil Rights era, each new generation has paved the way for greater equality. It’s clear that the YFP is no different,  through its inclusive approach, which incorporates grassroots ideals as well as those of more traditional non-governmental organizations in its efforts  to tackle the ERA. As an organization, the YFP is highly focused on combining the paths of the movements before them, understanding that the ERA is the key to provide rights to numerous marginalized groups that often face discriminatory laws and practices. 

“To work to make gender equality a reality I work to preserve the history of women whose voices are not included in the history books. I would like my government to do the same,” said Molly Gonzales from the Alice Paul Institute, who also attended and spoke during the convention. “We need more comprehensive women’s history so that we can have more comprehensive women’s futures,” she added. 

The group and its partners  remain committed to building on the legacy of these movements while forging a new path that integrates the lessons of the past with the demands of the present.

Strengthening the Current Movement 

As the saying goes, there is strength in numbers. The YFP’s recent national convention provided an invaluable opportunity for members to learn from one another, strategize, and strengthen their collective approach to achieving their goals. 

This convention was about addressing issues faced by lack of constitutional equality within the US, and was informed by international advocacy approaches that highlight the United States’ obligations under international human rights law to enshrine the ERA. Messages from legal feminists, like those reiterated in Law’s presentation, resonated with the attendees, reminding them that their fight is part of a broader struggle for equality worldwide.

As we strive to enshrine the ERA, the Young Feminist Party is the new standard-bearer, bringing fresh energy, inclusivity, and a global perspective to a cause over a century in the making. As they take up the baton of previous generations, they are not just pushing for a constitutional amendment—they are advocating for a more just and equitable society, where the rights of all people are recognized and protected. We at Equality Now are proud to stand side by side with the YFP in working towards the incorporation of the ERA, and support their efforts to ensure  that the ERA is not just a dream deferred, but a reality achieved.

For additional resources on International Law and the ERA, you can read our US submissions report visit our Factsheet. (and take a look at Ana Law’s Presentation here).