Silenced No More: A Woman's Stand for Equality

Rising Tension

The weeks leading up to the planned protest were a flurry of activity for Eleanor, Margaret, Vivan, Dorothy, Ruth, Willow, and Charlie. The women dedicated themselves to their cause, pouring their collective energy into making the protest a resounding success.

Eleanor, the leader of the troupe, worked on crafting powerful speeches and crafting chants to inspire not only the participants, but also anyone who might witness the demonstration. Margaret took charge of organizing the logistics of the protest, mapping out the route of the protest. Willow and Charlie were in charge of crafting inspiration signs and creating a flier that represented their cause the best. Vivan, Dorothy and Ruth were in charge of distributing fliers that were completely discreet, outlining the purpose of the protest and calling on all women—and even supportive men—to join the movement for equality and justice.

Vivan, Dorothy and Ruth handed out fliers to women from all walks of life, receiving various feedback over several weeks. They spread the news of the protest throughout the community, gaining as much support and numbers as possible to hopefully make a statement and secure change towards treating women like humans.

As word spread through the town of Elmswood, the men of the community—including John and Henry Thompson, Margaret's husband—became aware of the protest and disapproved of the group of women running the protest. They didn't realize that the women rallying the protest were their wives.

John came home angry after work one night, grumbling to himself as Eleanor cooked. He slammed the door behind him, his face etched with frustration.

Sensing his agitation, Eleanor looked up from the stove and asked, "Rough day at work, dear?"

John sighed deeply, his voice edged with irritation as he replied, "You wouldn't believe the nonsense I had to deal with today. People are getting riled up about some protest in town. Can't make sense of it."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Protest? What kind of protest?'

John scoffed. "Equality and justice, they say. A group of women demanding this and that. Don't they know how good they've got it?"

Eleanor maintained her composure. "Maybe they're just looking to be treated as people, John."

"Treated like a person? Nonsense! Everything is fine the way it is. Now they are trying to turn it upside down," John said dismissively.

Eleanor returned her attention to the simmering pot on the stove, stirring deliberately as she navigated the delicate conversation in their kitchen.

"Change can be unsettling, dear. But perhaps they feel it's time for a new perspective," she said.

John began pacing in agitation. "New perspective? There's a reason things are the way they are. They don't need to be messing with it."

In a gentle tone, Eleanor appeased her husband. "We'll weather the storm together, John. Now, why don't you sit down and I'll serve dinner. A good meal might just ease your mind."

Despite the frustration, John complied with her suggestion. They ate in silence, the heavy tension hanging in the air. Little did John know, his wife was at the heart of the movement he disapproved of, leading the charge for change for women in their community and beyond.

The next morning, still wavering after her discussion with John, Eleanor headed into town to meet the girls at the ladies' local spot, waiting to discuss more about the protest that would soon be happening.