Women’s history month brings women’s rights to light

Lindsey Bennington- School Resource Officer

How has our country progressed with women’s rights?

I think that in my profession, since I am a law enforcement officer its very uncommon, you know, that 20 years ago it was very uncommon for women to be in law enforcement whereas now we have programs set up where we want 30% of staffing to be women by 2030 and I just signed a pledge for that a couple of months ago.

What other things do you think our country needs to work on to help further women’s rights?

I think that there are a lot of things that our country needs to work on furthering women’s rights. I think that the acceptance and education of certain topics are really important when it comes to being able to move forward. The more you learn and the more educated and well-rounded you are gives you a different perspective of certain things. Both men and women.

Who is a big female role model to you?

I can say that a big female role model for me is my police Sergeant Holly Ellison. She has been on the department for 25 years and she is so well rounded and she is just a good person. She genuinely looks out for the interests of people and will have your back as a leader and she has wonderful leadership qualities. I look up to her and will hopefully be half as amazing as she is one day and half of the leader that she is. 

Freshman Mackenzie Scott

How has our country progressed with women’s rights?

A lot of progress has been made in the last 100 years. All women are able to vote now, and you can own a credit card in your own name.

What other things do you think our country needs to work on to help further women’s rights?

Advocacy for equal pay and for sexual assault victims

Who is a big female role model to you?

My aunt. 

Counselor Amanda Wagley

How has our country progressed with women’s rights?

Women got the right to vote in 1920, so that has come a long way. Reproductive rights and more women on the supreme court, we’ve really come a long way in that regard and I’m hoping that it stays in that progressive nature.

What other things do you think our country needs to work on to help further women’s rights?

There is a lot in terms of equality. Equal pay for equal work is a huge one.

Who is a big female role model to you?

Michelle Obama is one of my biggest heroes, I just adore her in every way, shape, and form and everything that she stands for.

AVID Teacher Kristina Berney

How has our country progressed with women’s rights?

We have made progress however it is not as far forward as I would like to see, obviously women have the right to vote, women can run for office, however, if you look at representation, in the highest offices we are still not represented proportionally, in business and government. Pay gaps are still huge between the genders. Things like the “pink tax” are still a problem. Women’s products always cost more whether it’s clothing or shampoo. Leave for childbirth is not guaranteed which is problematic. So progress is being made, but there is still way more to go.

What other things do you think our country needs to work on to help further women’s rights?

We need to have equal representation in all levels.  Even when we look at education there need to be more men in education and more women in leadership positions. There are certain things that I think could be included like sanitary products, they are not charged an arm and a leg, there are ways to cover that stuff. Health rights are important.

What are some ways you would like to see Salem celebrate women’s history month?

I think it would be cool to highlight different avenues where women have been misrepresented like Hidden Figures. That was a cool movie, and so even if you did like a movie night to highlight that, I think that would be fun. As long as you don’t charge I think your fine like copyright stuff. An open mike kinda event, I heard was really popular earlier this year, like female-only presenters would be neat to see.

Who is a big female role model to you?

In terms of personal life, my mom. If you are lucky enough to have a supportive mother, their input is huge. She pushes me to try new things and supports me as I accomplish my goals. Some of my former teachers really helped shape the person I want to be and I try to build relationships with students based off the models they gave me.