VMC celebrates Women's Equality

By Julie M. LucasSeptember 3, 2014

VMC celebrates Women's Equality
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the Vicenza Military Community perform a dramatic recital of a poem based on the words of abolitionist and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth at Caserma Ederle Vicenza, Italy, during one community celebration for Women's Equality Day ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
VMC celebrates Women's Equality
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

History was brought to life on Women's Equality Day at Caserma Ederle Aug. 26.

Four Soldiers took the stage on the second floor of the Arena to give a debate about women's voting rights as part of an event sponsored by the U.S. Army Africa Equal Opportunity Office.

"We wanted to celebrate the inequality of women's rights in the early 1900s" said Master Sgt. David Rawlings, EO adviser for USARAF. "The antagonist was showing the views of the population and those against women's rights, whereas Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony presented the argument for women's voting rights."

During the spirited debate, boos came from attendees. One of the men argued that it doesn't state in the Bible that women should vote and that women should trust their fathers and husbands.

Sgt. James Malpino of USARAF read aloud President Barack Obama's proclamation for Women's Equality Day.

A slideshow of facts was presented before the event with information about how the Fair Labor Standards were changed to include rights for women and court cases involving women and their employment. One historical slide said, "A woman's place is in the home, not the voting booth," reflecting the attitude of the time that women would vote as their husbands would.

The day was kicked off with a 5-kilometer fun run around Caserma Ederle. Nearly 180 participants showed up for the run in which door prizes were awarded.

"We want to thank the community for participating in both events, the run and the historical re-enactment, because it is the community that makes the programs, not EO," Rawlings said.

Related Links:

Vicenza Military Community facebook page

Vicenza Military Community website

Additional photos