Yesterday on The International Day of Women I had the good fortune to join a web interview with Isabel Allende, author of over 30 books translated into 42 different languages, who is known for her mystical writing as well as her strong support for women’s rights. The event, sponsored by Pen America and attended by 388 women from the United States and South America, focused on “Feminism of the Past and Hopes to Inspire the Next Generation.”

Isabel’s latest released book, The Soul of a Woman, is both a memoir and a reflection upon the influence of the women in her life. In the interview she stated that she felt the early women’s movement of the 60s and early 70s was mischaracterized and sometimes seen as men-hating group, which wasn’t the case. She also spoke about the trend to place people in groups or assign labels which she sees as divisive. She believes all rights groups have the same purpose and should work together for all people to be treated fairly and with respect and dignity. The pandemic, she says, has made us realize we are all one human race and have the same concerns and desires. Though in well developed countries women have come a long way toward reaching equality, there are women in some countries who are still being oppressed and not given the freedom to live as they might wish. She would encourage younger women to recognize this disparity and work towards the day where these women can enjoy their freedom also.

She believes strongly that you should hold onto your passions and lead an active life no matter your age. Since people are living longer now they can still make a difference well into their senior years. She spoke of someone who remarked on the number of older women the United States who stayed involved with their communities; he called them “emboldened grandmothers.” This statement resonated with me, as I see the many women in the organizations I belong to, as well as others in the community, that stay active well into their 80s. Isabel, I discovered, was born in the same year I was. I understand and agree with what she is saying. We were both young women at the time women began to demand their rights in the 60s. We lived it. We knew what it was like before, and were at the vanguard of change. Still imbued with this passion for change, I can count myself as an “emboldened grandmother.” I, too, hope the pandemic has a positive outcome that brings the humanity of the world’s peoples closer together. It is also my fervent hope that the younger generation continues to be inspired and ignite their passion to fight for a better world for all.

Isabel’s