Eleanor Roosevelt: Empowering Minds and Hearts
- Delaney Bowman
- Mar 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 29, 2024
"It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."
Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884 in New York City. Raised by her maternal grandmother after losing her parents early in life, she attended Allenswood Academy in England, where she developed a passion for social justice.
In 1905, Eleanor married her distant cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and their union faced challenges, including Franklin's battle with polio. Nevertheless, it laid the groundwork for Eleanor's enduring commitment to public service. She entered the White House in 1933 when Franklin assumed the 32nd presidency. Redefining the role of First Lady, she actively engaged in politics, advocating for social and civil rights through press conferences, columns, and radio broadcasts, fostering a direct connection with the American people.
Eleanor's impact on society was profound, notably through her involvement in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a monumental achievement adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Article 2 of the declaration explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender, reflecting her dedication to addressing the global struggle for women's rights. This document remains a cornerstone of international human rights law.
Throughout her life, she tirelessly advocated for women's rights, challenging societal norms and pushing for greater gender equality. One of her key initiatives was promoting equal pay for equal work, recognizing the inherent injustice in the wage gap between men and women. Eleanor co-founded Val-Kill Industries in 1926, a furniture manufacturing business aimed at providing economic opportunities for women in the Hudson Valley. This initiative was not only a source of empowerment but also a practical demonstration of her belief in women's capabilities and potential for economic independence.
In 1920, she was a vocal supporter of the suffrage movement, celebrating the passage of the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote. Later, she continued to champion women's political participation and encouraged them to take an active role in civic life. Eleanor also played a crucial role in promoting reproductive rights. She supported family planning and women's access to contraception, recognizing the importance of empowering women to make choices about their bodies and lives.
As the First Lady, Eleanor transformed the traditional role, using her platform to amplify the voices of women and address issues affecting them. She actively sought to break down barriers limiting women's participation in the workforce, encouraging their involvement in various fields beyond the domestic sphere.
Beyond feminism, Eleanor emphasized the importance of education, continuing to teach, write, and lecture on informed and active citizenship.
Her journey as a mother was marked by both joy and sorrow. Despite facing the heartbreak of losing her infant son, Elliott, in 1894, Eleanor embraced her role as a mother to her five surviving children with dedication and resilience. Balancing the challenges of family life with her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt's demanding political career, she sought to instill in her children a sense of social responsibility and compassion. Even as she navigated the complexities of her husband's polio and later widowhood, Eleanor remained a guiding force, encouraging her children's intellectual curiosity and offering support. Her approach to motherhood, marked by openness and a departure from traditional norms, reflects a woman who not only overcame personal adversity but also left a lasting legacy as a nurturing and progressive mother.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
After Franklin's death in 1945, Eleanor remained active in public life, serving as a delegate to the United Nations and chairing the UN Commission on Human Rights. Her legacy is rooted in tireless efforts to promote social justice, human rights, and equality, serving as an inspiration for college students like herself, dedicated to contributing to positive change in the world.
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