Bella Savitzky Abzug

Democrat Representative of New York's 20th district

Representative
New York, district 19
January 21, 1971 - January 3, 1973
Representative
New York, district 20
January 3, 1973 - January 3, 1975
Representative
New York, district 20
January 14, 1975 - January 3, 1977

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1920 (78 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1998

Death

Nicknamed “Battling Bella”
Was a lawyer, politician, social activist, and a leader in the women’s movement
Co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus alongside notable feminists
Known for her slogan “This woman’s place is in the House—the House of Representatives”
Appointed to co-chair the National Commission on the Observance of International Women’s Year
Presided over the 1977 National Women’s Conference
Led President Jimmy Carter’s National Advisory Commission for Women
Founder of the Commission for Women’s Equality of the American Jewish Congress
Born to Russian Jewish immigrants in New York City
Became competitive and ambitious from a young age
Defied gender norms in her religious community
Graduated from Hunter College and Columbia University Law School
Specialized in labor rights, tenants’ rights, and civil liberties as a lawyer
Early participant in Women Strike for Peace
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was known for her advocacy on liberal causes, including the Equal Rights Amendment and opposition to the Vietnam War
One of the first members of Congress to support gay rights
Introduced the first federal gay rights bill, the Equality Act of 1974
Sponsored the Equality Credit Opportunity Act
Known for wearing vibrant hats and was vocal about women’s visibility and recognition in politics
Supported Zionism and challenged UN resolutions equating Zionism with racism
Ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate and later attempts for mayor of New York City and other political offices
Authored books on political power for American women
Founded and led women’s advocacy organizations, including Women USA and the Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)
Continued to advocate for women’s rights and environmental issues until her death
Received numerous honors and recognitions for her contributions to politics and the feminist movement
Portrayed in popular culture and remembered as a pioneering figure in American politics and the women’s movement