Women’s Suffrage And The 1918 Flu, Gender Disparities Of A Health Crisis

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Suffragists march in New York
Suffragists led by “General” Rosalie Jones march from New York on their way to the Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington D.C., on the eve of Woodrow Wilson’s inaugural in March 1913. AP Photo

The 1918 flu pandemic put a halt on the marches, rallies and parades of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. We learn how a public health emergency affected the politics of the early 20th century. Then, we discuss the long term economic, health and education disparities women may face in a pandemic.

Featured in this Show

  • The 1918 Flu And The Women's Suffrage Movement

    In 1918 the Women’s Suffrage Movement was gaining momentum in America. It had just received the support of the president when a flu pandemic hit. We learn how women’s contributions to the both public health emergency and WWI hindered and advanced the passage of the 19th Amendment.

  • International Public Health Crisis Can Compound Gender Inequities

    Women make up 70 percent of the global health workforce and just 20 percent of the World Health Organization COVID-19 emergency response committee. We examine the significance of representation in international public health policy and the long term economic impacts pandemics have on women.

Episode Credits

  • Kealey Bultena Host
  • Jana Rose Schleis Producer
  • Lee Rayburn Technical Director
  • Elaine Weiss Guest
  • Rosemary Morgan Guest

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