Women's History Month - Geraldine Ferraro

March is Women’s History Month.  The plan for Women’s History Month always included an article on Geraldine Ferraro. Not part of the plan was an obituary for this important person and very important part of women’s history. 

Geraldine Ferraro was born on August 26, 1935 and died Saturday, March 26, 2011, at the age of 75.  Ms. Ferraro died from complications of multiple myeloma. A cancer she battled for over twelve years. 

Geraldine Ferraro is most well known for her role as a vice presidential candidate in 1984.  She was the first female selected for national office by a major political party. 

She debated Vice President George H.W. Bush during the campaign and admonished him during the debate for patronizing her and implying that she needed tutoring in foreign policy.  After losing the election Ms. Ferraro ran two unsuccessful campaigns for senate.

Ms. Ferraro was the daughter of an Italian American immigrant.  She was a daughter, wife, mother, teacher, attorney, Queens District Attorney, congresswoman, vice presidential candidate, senate candidate, political commentator, she served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights during the Clinton Administration.

She started the Queens Special Victims Bureau, which focused on rape, and domestic violence victims.  She advocated for the elderly and spearheaded the efforts for the Equal Rights Amendment. She was the author of two books, Ferraro: My Story and Geraldine Ferraro: Changing History.

Geraldine Ferraro was a role model for many.  Her legacy is one of action backing up her words and her belief in an America that provides equality and opportunity to everyone, including women.