President Jimmy Carter ceremoniously signing the Equal Rights Amendment extension with FMF President Ellie Smeal behind.
As we join the world in mourning President Jimmy Carter’s passing, the Feminist Majority Foundation is also honoring his steadfast dedication to human rights, equality, and justice. Among his many contributions, President Carter’s unwavering support for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and his advocacy for women’s rights remain a cornerstone of his enduring legacy.
Elected in 1976, President Carter entered the White House during a pivotal time for the women’s rights movement. Throughout his presidency, he vocally supported the ERA, an amendment to the Constitution designed to explicitly prohibit sex discrimination. “This is not just a women’s issue,” said Carter. “It affects us all.” Recognizing the systemic inequities faced by women, Carter championed the ERA not only as a legal imperative but as a moral one, arguing that true democracy could not exist without gender equality.
“Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter were both very strong supporters of the ERA,” said FMF President Ellie Smeal. “Rosalynn regularly met with us—about once a month—to help strategize and push for the ERA’s passage.”
Carter’s advocacy extended far beyond symbolic gestures. He appointed an unprecedented number of women to key positions in his administration and nominated women to federal courts, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He set a new standard for representation in government. His administration also advanced critical policies addressing workplace discrimination, equal pay, protections against sexual harassment, and he was one of the first heads of state to sign CEDAW, the U.N.’s international bill of rights for women.
After leaving office, Carter continued his mission to advance women’s rights on a global scale through the Carter Center, an organization he founded together with Rosalynn. The Center has worked tirelessly to combat gender-based violence, promote women’s education, and support female political leaders in emerging democracies.
Carter’s faith, deeply rooted in his Christian beliefs, guided his advocacy. In a bold move, he severed ties with the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000, citing their stance on the subjugation of women and their refusal to allow women to be pastors. This act exemplified his conviction that religion should be a force for liberation, not oppression. In 2014, Carter released a book on the subject, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power, examining how the Bible and other religious texts are misinterpreted to justify gender discrimination.
President Carter’s work continues to inspire us in the fight for equality. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still ahead to achieve gender equality. His steadfast support for the ERA and women’s rights inspired generations and set a profound example for leaders worldwide. As we honor his memory, we are called to carry forward his vision of a fairer, more just society—one where equality is not just a promise but a reality.
