Episode 293: The Equal Rights Amendment: What’s at Stake for Gender Equality with Mona Sinha (Your Vote, Your Choice)

Did you know that globally, women only have 75% of the legal rights that men have? And in the U.S., they have none. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it impacts everyone. I am honored to welcome Mona Sinha to the show today. Mona is the Global Executive Director of Equality Now, an organization dedicated to advancing legal and systemic change to end violence and discrimination against women and girls worldwide.

In this episode, Mona and I dive into the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), discussing how its absence from The U.S. Constitution affects domestic violence protections, reproductive freedom, and the overall legal landscape for gender-based violence. We also explore the broader ramifications of not having the ERA in place and how this amendment could uphold equality and justice for all, regardless of gender identity, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation.

Tune in to this powerful conversation as we unpack the significance of the ERA and what’s at stake for equality in the U.S during this upcoming election season. 

Featured topics:

• Why the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has not yet been added to The Constitution (5:21)
• How the ERA could impact the wage gap, reproductive rights, and legal protections (11:51)
• The connection between the ERA and protections for survivors of domestic violence (14:38)
• How the ERA could transform family court rulings on gender-based violence (20:39)
• Common misconceptions about the ERA (24:22)
• How this upcoming election could influence the future of the ERA (31:58)

Learn more about Mona Sinha:

S. Mona Sinha is the Global Executive Director of Equality Now, an organization that campaigns for legal and systemic change around the world to address violence and discrimination against women and girls.

For 25 years, Mona has leveraged her corporate experience to launch, lead or advise over 90 mission-aligned organizations to create a gender-equal world. She is the Board Chair of Women Moving Millions and serves on the Executive Council of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, as well as the Advisory Board of Gucci CHIME. Creating inclusive communities is at the center of her strategic approach, which she believes is the key to unlocking sustainable organizational growth.

Mona has received wide recognition for her work to advance equality. In 2023, she was listed in Forbes 50 Over 50 for her impact as a leader driving change for a better future. She’s the recipient of the 2023 Horton Award for Excellence in Social Enterprise from Columbia Business School and CARE USA’s 2021 Impact Award. She was presented the Last Girl Champion Award by Gloria Steinem and Apne Aap in 2017 and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2015. She’s also received awards from Smith College, Children’s Hope India, Modern High School (Kolkata), Women’s eNews, and Breakthrough.

Resources & Links:

Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate 

Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective

Equality Now

Equality Now 2024 U.S. Election Guide

Equaliy Now “I Need ERA” Series

The ERA Coalition Website

Mona on LinkedIn 

Mona on Twitter/X

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPO