Bella Abzug: ‘Battling Bella’ Fought for Women’s Rights and Other Social Causes

Bella Abzug (July 24, 1920 — March 31, 1998) was a powerful force in the Women’s Movement of the 1970s. She was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for one term (election slogan: “This woman’s place is in the house — the House of Representatives”). Her many other accomplishments included helping to found the National Women’s Political Caucus, and serving as co-chair of the National Commission on the Observance of International Women’s Year. Known as “Battling Bella,” Abzug was easily identifiable by the large, colorful hats she wore.
 
Quotes: “As women, we know that we must always find ways to change the process because the present institutions want to hold on to power and keep the status quo.” | “I began wearing hats as a young lawyer because it helped me to establish my professional identity. Before that, whenever I was at a meeting, someone would ask me to get coffee.”
 
Sources: Wikipedia, BrainyQuote
 
Learn more about Bella Abzug on Wikipedia. >>
 
Watch “Bella Abzug on Women’s Involvement in Government,” a lecture from 1992 [O9:32]. >>
 
Photo: NBC Learn K-12