Where Are All the Women On Our Money?

Image Courtesy of Women on 20s

Hello all! I recently came across a pretty interesting cause that I’d love to bring to your attention.

Do me a favor and take out your wallet. Look at the bills inside of it. Do you notice a trend? Well if you don’t, I’ll help you out. All the people featured on those crisp bills are men. While Ben and Abe may have been influential in the shaping of our country, it’s pretty unfair not to acknowledge some of the fabulous women who did the same.

That’s exactly what the group I stumbled upon aims to do – give women the acknowledgement they deserve. Women on 20s is a grassroots organization with the goal of getting a woman’s portrait on paper money. The campaign engages people from all walks of life to address gender equality and honor the women who helped shape this country. They are looking to boot Andrew Jackson from the $20 bill, and replace him with a woman.

Why Andrew Jackson you ask? Well, if you’re needing a history refresher, I’ve got your back. While our seventh president may have founded the modern Democratic Party, he also assisted in the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The act led to the Trail of Tears that resulted in the death of thousands of Native Americans due to exposure, disease, and starvation during their mass relocation westward. Not cool, Andrew, not cool. I'd say it is about time for a fresh face on our $20 bill.

Okay, so you’re probably curious about how this is going to work. Well, Women on 20s is making it possible for the entire country to engage in the process by allowing online voting to choose the woman to replace Andrew Jackson. Once the winner is declared, they will present President Obama with a petition for the change. After that, all the President has to do is ask the Secretary of the Treasury to make it happen. Pretty simple, right? The group envisions the new bill to be released in 2020, celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the passage of the 19^th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Yay women!

Now that you have all the information, you’re probably wondering how you can get involved. It’s really quite simple. Visit www.womenon20s.org, and vote for your favorite candidate. The fab four finalists are Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Wilma Mankiller – all fantastic women who have had a positive impact on our country. The site even has biographical information on each woman to help you make your decision. I hope you feel inspired to get involved, promote gender equality and honor some pretty influential women. Happy voting!

Have a wonderful day. Enjoy the fabulous weather. Vote to get a woman on our currency! As for me, I hear a strong cup of coffee calling my name.