Gloria Steinem Joins Women Lawmakers For Day At The Statehouse
Members of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus stand with nationally renowned journalist Gloria Steinem, pictured fifth from the right.
Celebrated feminist, journalist discusses Ohio issues during “Real Talk” forum
The Ohio House Democratic Women’s Caucus (OHDWC) last month hosted nationally renowned American feminist, activist and journalist Gloria Steinem for a series of events at the Ohio Statehouse. Born in Toledo, Ohio, Gloria Steinem was a key figure during the women’s rights movement of the late 1960’s and has received numerous bestselling book awards for her writing on women’s issues on personal, national and global levels.
“She reminded us today that we must not think of the world in terms of a hierarchy, with rankings above one another, but as an interconnected web,” said House Democratic Whip Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood). “This hierarchical view has allowed government to slowly chip away at women’s reproductive rights and autonomy, affecting their partners, children and families as a whole. I am pleased to have been part of this important discussion today and I hope that we can come together as a society to stop these fundamentally unjust attacks against women and their reproductive freedoms.”
Steinem spent the day in Columbus with members of the OHDWC and took time to meet with staff in the morning.
“Gloria Steinem is an inspiring hero and role-model for women in Ohio and across the nation,” said Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), chair of the OHDWC. “From the gender wage gap, to restrictions on women’s access to healthcare, to outdated and incomplete laws against rape, many of the challenges women in Ohio face today are the same issues Gloria has been fighting against and raising awareness of for decades. The challenges we face in Ohio are certainly real, but they are not insurmountable if we come together, speak with one voice and make a stand.”
In the evening, the OHDWC collaborated with Steinem to hold a “Real Talk” public forum in the Statehouse atrium, in which issues of gender equality and the daily challenges faced by Ohio women will be discussed.
Steinem is the co-founder of Ms. magazine and also helped found New York magazine. As a freelance writer, Steinem has had her work published in Esquire and The New York Times Magazine.
“I have long appreciated Gloria Steinem for her outspoken activism, and for using her voice to light a fire for gender equality in the hearts and minds of women – and men,” said House Minority Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton). “It is a truly special day to be able to welcome her back to her home state of Ohio.”
Steinem has received the Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, among many other journalistic achievement awards.
Nickie Antonio
State Representative Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) is honored to be serving her third term in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she was elected by her collegaues as Minority Whip for the 131st General Assembly. House District 13 includes the city of Lakewood in its entirety and parts of Cleveland’s West Side including the Detroit Shoreway (Gordon Square Arts District), the Stockyards, West Boulevard, Cuddell, the Village of Linndale, and a section of Ohio City neighborhoods. Representative Antonio is a civic minded public servant who is concerned with the quality of life of those around her and has been a social justice advocate working for human rights and equality for all people for more than two decades. Antonio began her public policy service when she was elected to Lakewood City Council in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009. During her tenure on Lakewood City Council she chaired the Economic Development, Housing, and Human Services committees and served on the Public Works and Finance Committees and was the council representative for the Lakewood Hospital Board and Community Relations Boards. She brought successful strategies for economic development through proactive policies such as the first ever sidewalk dining legislation, the results of which can be seen today in the vibrant outdoor dining scene throughout the city. Ever concerned about environmental policy and practice, Antonio also shepherded through legislation to reduce toxic emissions through a reduced idling ordinance. Antonio also exercised leadership by developing opportunities for diversity appreciation and understanding and civic engagement through the Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission of which she was a founder and promoted citizen human rights by expanding protections in the existing municipal intimidation laws. She also championed the push to retain funding for senior programs and services. Antonio is an alumni of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior and Executive Leadership program for State and Local governments. The first in her family to graduate from college, Antonio holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Maxine Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, also from CSU. She is a graduate of Lutheran West High School located in Rocky River, Ohio. A former Special Education teacher and non-profit Executive Director for a women’s outpatient drug/alcohol treatment program, she also served for nearly two decades as a consultant to non-profits and governmental agencies throughout Northeast Ohio and served as administrator for a multi-County HIV/AIDS regional planning group. During this same period she was an Adjunct Professor at CSU teaching courses in Women’s Studies and Public Administration policies and practice. She continues her civic involvement through membership in numerous community groups and serves in an advisory capacity for Spaces Art Gallery and on the board of the non-profit Cleveland Tenants Organization. Antonio currently serves as Ranking Member of the Health and Aging Committee. She also serves on the Finance and Appropriations Committee, Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee, and the Joint Legislative Committee for Unified Long-Term Servics and Supports. Rep. Antonio is a member of the Ohio House Democratic Women's Caucus. Because of her social justice advocacy and activity, Antonio is known as a collaborative community builder and organizer. She is an enthusiastic proponent of the arts and civic engagement as some of the best tools available to develop local and statewide viability and economic success. She is also a certified coach and advocates the benefits to the world when people are valued and encouraged to rise to their highest potential and purpose. Daughters Ariel and Stacey, both Lakewood High School graduates, have made Rep. Antonio and wife Jean Kosmac very proud as the girls engage in their post-secondary pursuits.