“The battle for the individual rights of women is one of long standing and none of us should countenance anything which undermines it.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“The battle for the individual rights of women is one of long standing and none of us should countenance anything which undermines it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Eleanor Roosevelt underscores the enduring and unfinished struggle for women’s rights, urging constant vigilance and solidarity. By calling it a “battle of long standing,” she situates the movement within a broad historical arc—recognizing the persistence, setbacks, and ongoing effort required. Her warning that “none of us should countenance anything” that undermines this progress is a call to collective responsibility, not just for women, but for all members of society.
Roosevelt was a tireless advocate for gender equality, using her influence as First Lady and later as a global diplomat to amplify women’s voices and promote their rights in education, employment, and governance. She understood that even incremental gains could be reversed without vigilance. Her words reflect a moral and civic duty to protect hard-won freedoms from erosion by complacency or prejudice.
Today, as debates over gender equality continue worldwide, this quote reminds us that rights are not guaranteed—they must be defended continually. Whether in policy, culture, or everyday interactions, tolerance of injustice—however small—feeds regression. Roosevelt’s firm stance encourages us to recognize threats to equity and act decisively, honoring the legacy of those who fought before us.
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