CSR News, March 7 : Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most influential First Ladies in history, transformed the role of a president’s spouse from a ceremonial figure into a powerful advocate for social justice. Serving as the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, she became a vocal champion for women’s rights, labor rights, racial equality, and human dignity. Her efforts laid the foundation for modern feminism and strengthened the global movement for gender equality.
Breaking Barriers as First Lady
During her tenure as First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt shattered traditional expectations of women in politics. At a time when women were largely confined to domestic roles, she used her platform to speak out on issues affecting them. She held regular press conferences, but with a groundbreaking twist—she only allowed female reporters to attend. This forced newspapers and media organizations to hire more women, giving them opportunities that were previously denied.
She also traveled extensively across the United States, visiting factories, coal mines, and rural communities to speak directly with working-class women. She documented their struggles and used her influence to push for policies that addressed their needs, particularly fair wages, improved working conditions, and childcare support.
Fighting for Equal Pay and Workplace Rights
Eleanor Roosevelt played a key role in advocating for women’s economic independence. She supported the National Recovery Administration’s efforts to enforce fair wages for women and opposed discriminatory practices that excluded women from higher-paying jobs. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Women’s Division of the Democratic National Committee, which worked to involve more women in politics and policymaking.
She fought against the unfair treatment of female workers, particularly during World War II, when women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers to support the war effort. She championed equal pay for women and helped ensure that the rights of female laborers were protected.
Human Rights and the United Nations
After her tenure as First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt’s commitment to women’s rights extended beyond the United States to the global stage. In 1945, President Harry Truman appointed her as a delegate to the United Nations (UN). There, she became the chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights and played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)—a landmark document that set the standard for human rights worldwide.
She ensured that the Declaration recognized gender equality, stating that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Her work helped establish international legal frameworks that protected women from discrimination and violence.
Advocacy for African American and Minority Women
Eleanor Roosevelt’s fight for women’s rights was intersectional—she did not limit her advocacy to privileged women but extended her support to women of color and marginalized groups. She worked closely with African American leaders such as Mary McLeod Bethune and openly opposed racial segregation at a time when it was politically risky to do so.
She publicly resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in protest when the organization refused to allow African American opera singer Marian Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall. Instead, she arranged for Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, an event attended by 75,000 people and broadcast nationwide.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy paved the way for future generations of women to enter politics, fight for equal pay, and demand their rights. Her tireless efforts in government, journalism, and international diplomacy created lasting changes that continue to shape the women’s rights movement today.
She famously said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” This quote encapsulates her belief in empowerment, self-determination, and the fight for equality.
Today, Eleanor Roosevelt is remembered as a pioneer of social justice, a fearless advocate for women, and a guiding force behind some of the most important human rights advancements in history. Her contributions remain an inspiration for those continuing the struggle for gender equality and justice worldwide.
