Wednesday, April 16, 2008

NOW President, Kim Gandy, on Listen 2 Women

What an amazing afternoon for Listen 2 Women. Hillary Clinton's campaign called WPVM yesterday to set up an interview as part of the Women's Day of Action tour in North Carolina. After hearing the show options, they specifically asked to be on Listen 2 Women!

While we cannot endorse any candidate or allow electioneering, we were thrilled with the opportunity.

So Wednesday afternoon, I was able to interview Kim Gandy, President of the National Organization for Women. This was truly a milestone in the growth of Listen 2 Women. I had a wonderful conversation with Kim. We talked about the Equal Pay Act, passed 45 years ago and where women are today with equal pay for equal work. We still earn about 20 cents less on the dollar than men.

Kim shared how she became involved with NOW in 1973, after learning that her husband would have to sign her employment contract in order for her employer to contribute money to her retirement plan under the then called "Head and Master" law. She worked for seven years to have that law changed in Lousiana. I feel indebted to her because I have never heard of such a law. We owe so much to her and her colleagues for having done that work -- so we don't have to face the same barriers today.

We also talked about the media's coverage of women and women's issues. She pointed out what a rare thing it is to have a radio show like Listen 2 Women, saying that we "are making an important contribution to the women of North Carolina."

At the end, we had a brief discussion about why she is on the road for Hillary Clinton and why she feels she is the person best suited for the Presidency. Tune in to 103.5 FM this Thursday, April 17 from 4-5pm to hear the whole story.

What an honor to have a conversation with Kim Gandy, President of NOW. Listen 2 Women is more than just an hour a week on the radio, it's an important space on the airwaves to be a real forum for women's voices.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Just Economics on Listen 2 Women

Tune in to WPVM 103.5 FM from 4-5 pm on Thursday, April 3. This week on Listen 2 Women, our guests will be Sarah Osmer from Just Economics and Trish, owner of Rags Reborn in Asheville. Join us for a conversation about the business of paying a living wage in Asheville.

Just Economics is a grassroots, community-based organization. We educate, advocate, and organize for equitable economic conditions, increased union representation, and a fair share for all in the prosperity of our region, regardless of race, gender, or citizenship status.

If you miss the show, listen later on archive, just go to www.wpvm.org/archives/ and click on Listen 2 Women.