When Women Connect, We’re Powerful Together: Christine Blasey Ford

2024-05-29

In this emotionally charged last episode in our For the Love of the Matriarchy series, Jen shares an intimate and profound conversation with Christine Blasey Ford, who came into the public eye when she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 27th, 2018, while it was considering the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court; describing an alleged sexual assault by the Supreme Court nominee that took place at a high school party in the 80s. Christine, with brave vulnerability, opens up about her harrowing experience in the aftermath of her testimony and the tsunami of public scrutiny she faced. Through her story, we're reminded of the incredible power of women when we come together, support one another, and find our collective voice against injustices. This episode is not just a dialogue; it's a clarion call to all women to connect, share, and empower each other in a world that often seeks to silence us.

Christine shares with Jen:

the moment she heard that Brett Kavanaugh was on a short list of Supreme Court justice nominees and the immediate reaction that she needed those in power to know the truth
the emotional toll the aftermath of the experience took on Christine and her family, and the safety measures they had to employ because of constant death threats
why she decided to write a book, One Way Back, to tell the story now, citing what she learned through the experience and what she knows now about the many other women in history who have also spoken their truth about sexual harassment and assault
the incredible amount of support she received from women and sexual assault survivors in the form of letters, which carried her through some of the most difficult moments

Jen and Christine's conversation underscores a crucial message: when women connect, we're not just powerful together; we're unstoppable.

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Thought-Provoking Quotes:

“It took many years to feel that I was ready to say something and to break the silence. I had been silent for so long. I was feeling a little bit guilty even, for having so much focus and learning about the contributions of so many other women in so many different venues who have spoken up against sexual harassment and sexual assault. And I just thought, 'Wow, I need to share all the things that I didn't know beforehand. Maybe I could share them and maybe it will help someone.'" - Christine Blasey Ford

“The system can often work in ways that make [women] feel divided and makes us feel negatively towards each other. But when we actually connect, we're really powerful together.” - Christine Blasey Ford

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Christine’s Senate Judiciary Committee Testimony - https://bit.ly/3UzlYeof

One Way Back: A Memoir by Christine Blasey Ford - https://bit.ly/4dHlk7C

Washington Post Article featuring Christine Blasey Ford - https://bit.ly/4bjFNh3

Guest’s Links:

Christine’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/christine_talkinout/

Christine’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/fordchristine66

Connect with Jen!

Jen’s website - https://jenhatmaker.com/

Jen’s Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmaker

Jen’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/

Jen’s Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmaker