The word Jennifer Rice — a philanthropist, art collector, arts supporter, animal rescuer — most often uses to describe herself is one she thinks we all should proudly embrace: Feminist.
“I’ve long made a point of using that adjective because it has sadly — for some, not all — come to represent something perceived to be a negative and not something to aspire to,” Rice declared in late May, as she was honored with Women’s Way’s Gender Equity Champion Award. “Quite simply, feminism is about all genders having equal rights and opportunities. It’s about respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge and strengths. The definition of feminist is a person who advocates for social, political, legal and economic rights for women equal to those of men.
“By that definition,” Rice noted, “I would venture to guess that everyone in this room is a feminist.”
Rice, a Citizen board member, went on to make the case not just for women, but for everyone when women are in positions of leadership and power — better returns on investment, more profits, better productivity, a more inclusive environment. “For too long women have not been given a seat at the table,” she told a cheering crowd. “All I’m suggesting is that if you look around your table and everyone looks exactly the same, you move over, pull up a chair for someone whose life experience and skill set adds voice to those who have been underrepresented.”
Amen, sister.
Watch Rice’s whole inspiring speech below:
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