Thread by @WisDems

#WomensHistoryMonth Kathryn Clarenbach was a leader in the modern feminist movement in the U.S. and was the founding member and the first chair of the National Organization for Women! @NationalNOW

Born in Sparta, Clarenbach earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at @UWMadison. After teaching at several universities, she moved back to Madison & created continuing education programs for women at UW-Extension, at a time when few careers were open to women.

Clarenbach became a fierce advocate for women’s rights in WI. She convinced Gov Reynolds to start the Commission on the Status of Women in ‘64. She worked to change policies that discriminated against women, including state laws on sexual assault, divorce & marital property.

Later, Kathryn Clarenbach, along with other national feminist leaders, organized the National Women’s Political Caucus (@NWPCNational) to have more women elected and appointed in office. She also established the Wisconsin Women’s Council (@WIWomen).
onwisconsin.uwalumni.com/features/this-…