Born: 1939 (Queens, New York)
Biography:
Carole De Saram (born February 27, 1939) is an American feminist and women’s rights activist. She is the former president of the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Known for her advocacy for women’s equality through intersectionality with economics, De Saram has made significant contributions to the feminist movement and played a crucial role in shaping women’s history.
De Saram was born on February 27, 1939, in Queens, New York. She attended Grover Cleveland High School in Queens, where her passion for music began to blossom. In a high school music class, De Saram was given a French horn, despite having no formal music training. Determined to excel, she underwent intensive training and auditioned for the All City Orchestra, where she made second horn. She even had the opportunity to play a French horn solo at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, showcasing her exceptional musical talent and dedication.
After completing her high school education, De Saram enrolled at Columbia University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics. Armed with her academic qualifications, she embarked on a career in the corporate world, landing a job as a computer analyst at Chemical Bank in Tribeca. Eventually, she was promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President, making significant strides in the male-dominated industry of Wall Street.
De Saram’s activism and commitment to women’s rights were ignited when she sent a full-page letter to Procter & Gamble in 1964, expressing her disapproval of an advertisement for Tide. In response to her letter, she received a full-page reply, and the company ultimately pulled the ad. This experience, alongside her growing awareness of gender inequality, propelled her into the heart of the women’s movement.
In 1970, De Saram attended her first National Organization for Women (NOW) meeting in New York, which took place in the basement of a church due to the unavailability of other venues. Undeterred by the challenges faced by women in organizing such events, she participated in a march down Fifth Avenue later that year, advocating for women’s rights. Over time, De Saram’s focus shifted towards combating credit discrimination against women based on their marital status.
In 1971, De Saram and fellow members of NOW New York orchestrated a remarkable zap action. Disguised as a garden club, they gained access to the American Stock Exchange and unveiled a banner that read Woman Power. The size of each letter matched that of the balcony windows, causing a commotion and drawing attention. The brokers, essentially halting their work, booed the protestors. Simultaneously, a van circled Wall Street, broadcasting the message, Women have taken over Wall Street! This synchronized effort disrupted the normalcy of the Stock Exchange, generating significant public interest and highlighting the power of women.
De Saram’s determination also led to the closure of a Citibank branch. Through her efforts, she encouraged women to close accounts with the bank, demonstrating the economic impact of collective action. Witnessing the effects of this movement, the bank’s president ordered the closure of the branch and instructed all women to line up in order to close their accounts.
Throughout her career as an activist, Carole De Saram has exemplified the essence of intersectionality, recognizing the convergence of gender and economic issues in the fight for women’s equality. Her leadership in the National Organization for Women and her strategic actions have paved the way for progress in women’s rights and have left an indelible mark on society.