Beyond Suffrage: Crystal Eastman's 'Now We Can Begin' – A Timeless Call for Equality

The right to vote was only the beginning. So declared Crystal Eastman in her influential essay, “Now We Can Begin,” written in the wake of the U.S. Constitution’s 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This article delves into the depth of Eastman’s vision, her call for a more expansive understanding of women’s rights, and her enduring legacy in the fight for equality.

Penned in 1920, Eastman’s essay responds to the watershed moment of women’s suffrage, but with a tone of urgency rather than simple celebration.

The title, “Now We Can Begin,” aptly encapsulates her view. To Eastman, the right to vote was a stepping-stone, not a final destination. It marked the start of a larger, more complex battle for genuine equality, covering social, economic, and personal domains of women’s lives.

Eastman outlines four central areas where change is essential. First is the recognition of women’s freedom to choose their path, be it marriage, motherhood, or a career, without societal coercion.

Second is the issue of financial independence, underscoring the need for equal pay for equal work, as well as economic provisions for homemakers. Third, she highlights the necessity for shared responsibilities in family life, particularly in child-rearing tasks. Lastly, she emphasizes the importance of self-determination over one’s body, highlighting reproductive rights as crucial.

The genius of Eastman’s essay lies in its prescience and broad-spectrum approach to women’s rights. She understood that suffrage, while a crucial right, did not automatically eradicate the ingrained social, economic, and cultural biases against women.

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Thus, she advocated for a comprehensive societal shift that went beyond simply granting women the right to vote.

What’s striking about “Now We Can Begin” is how timely and relevant Eastman’s arguments remain, a century later. Issues like the gender pay gap, work-life balance, and reproductive rights continue to be central themes in contemporary feminist discourse. Eastman’s pioneering vision laid the groundwork for these ongoing debates and has continued to inspire generations of activists.

Also notable is Eastman’s inclusive approach to feminism. She argued that men too must be part of the conversation and the solution, recognizing that the societal norms oppressing women also restricted men. Her call for shared child-rearing responsibilities, for instance, recognizes the rights of men to be involved parents without facing societal scorn.

The legacy of Crystal Eastman’s “Now We Can Begin” resonates powerfully in the feminist movements of today. The battles she outlined are still being fought, and her words continue to inspire and galvanize. She reminded us that every victory, like the 19th Amendment, is not an endpoint but rather a catalyst for further progress.

In conclusion, Crystal Eastman’s “Now We Can Begin” is a seminal work in feminist literature that continues to echo through the halls of activism. Eastman reminded us that the fight for equality transcends the ballot box, extending to every aspect of societal norms and values. Her tireless advocacy and visionary perspective underscore the fact that when it comes to the pursuit of true equality, we are always at the beginning, ready to move forward.