The Nation: Women March on Houston

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New legislation has helped women advance in some areas. One example: the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 makes it illegal for a lender to deny a person credit on the basis of sex or marital status, a practice that often had made it difficult for women to get mortgages or personal loans. On the other hand, legislation for federal subsidy of child care centers for working mothers is stalled in Congress. Most important of all, the Equal Rights Amendment is still three states shy of ratification, with only 16 months left before the proposition expires.

Clearly, there are innumerable challenges left for the women's movement. But activists can congratulate themselves for having accomplished much in a surprisingly short time. Says Joanne Alter, a Chicago Sanitary District commissioner: "Sure, we have a long way to go. But remember, the women's movement is very young. Nine years ago, when I would talk about a woman on the Supreme Court, people would look at me as if I were crazy." No longer. Sums up Pam Faust, executive director of the California State Commission on the Status of Women: "The changes are valid and profound. Whether or not you're for the women's movement, it has changed your life." On that there is no argument.