Independent Lens Season 6 Episode 15 Sisters of '77

Sisters of '77 is the 15th episode of the sixth season of Independent Lens, a documentary series that showcases independent films and introduces viewers to a diverse range of cultures and perspectives. This episode focuses on the women's liberation movement of the 1970s and the national women's conference that was held in Houston, Texas in November 1977.

The episode begins by examining the state of women's rights in America in the 1970s. Women were fighting for equal pay, reproductive rights, and an end to discrimination in the workplace and in politics. The women's liberation movement was gaining momentum, and women were becoming more vocal and visible in their demands for change.

The centerpiece of the episode is the national women's conference in Houston, which was attended by over 20,000 women from across the country. The conference was organized by the National Women's Conference Committee, a group of women appointed by President Jimmy Carter to plan and coordinate the event.

The Sisters of '77 documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the conference, featuring interviews with the women who attended and the organizers who made it happen. Viewers hear from women of different ages, races, and backgrounds who came together to discuss and debate the issues that were most important to them.

One of the themes that emerges is the tension between the mainstream feminist movement and more radical and marginalized voices. Some women criticize the conference for being too centrist and not adequately addressing issues of race and class. Others argue that it was an important step forward and a historic moment for the women's movement.

The episode also examines the legacy of the conference and the impact it had on the women's movement in the years that followed. While some of the gains made in the 1970s have been rolled back or eroded in the decades since, the conference is seen as a watershed moment that galvanized women across the country and helped to advance the cause of gender equality.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to archival footage and photos that bring the world of 1970s feminism to life. There are shots of women marching, chanting, and carrying signs with slogans like "Equal pay for equal work" and "My body, my choice." There are also clips of prominent feminist leaders, such as Bella Abzug and Gloria Steinem, who helped to shape the movement and provide inspiration for a new generation of women.

Ultimately, Sisters of '77 is a celebration of the power of women's voices and the importance of coming together to fight for a common cause. The documentary reminds viewers that the struggles of the women's liberation movement were hard-won and that the fight for gender equality is ongoing. But it also offers hope and inspiration, showing how far we've come and how much we can achieve when we work together.