THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Anne Pride

July 29, 1942 – April 24, 1990

“Women have never been equal in our society. Our society promotes that, and it condones it, and violence against women is the byproduct.”

Activist and philanthropist dedicated to reproductive justice and ending sexual assault and domestic partner violence. Served on the National Organization of Women’s board of directors and as the editor of the organization’s KNOW national newspaper. Fought for reproductive justice as the executive director of Women’s Health Services and at BirthPlace, an alternative birth center. Set the precedent for victim confidentiality as the first director of Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) by refusing to disclose notes from private counseling sessions. Coined the phrase “take back the night,” which has become a national movement for young women to reclaim their freedom and independence in the face of sexual violence.