A Group of Women was an American feminist organization in the 1980s who committed a series of actions in support of the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Sonia Johnson was a notable member of this organization that advocated for the use of civil disobedience to raise awareness about the need for the ERA.[1]
Formerly known as the Congressional Union after the suffrage group, A Group of Women advocated for militant actions on behalf of the ERA. They were affiliated with protests including spilling fake blood in front of the National Archives in Washington, D.C.[2] Maureen Fiedler, a Roman Catholic nun, was arrested as this protest. The group drew a significant amount of attention when they blocked traffic in front of the National Archives.[3] Women affiliated with this group held a sign at the protest that read, "Honor Thy Mother. Put Her in the Constitution."[4]
Sonia Johnson, Sister Maureen Fiedler and Mary Ann Beall were all affiliated with A Group of Women.[5] The Des Moines Register reported Johnson was a leader of the organization. Leslie Stewart from Boca Raton, Florida was also a member. She featured prominently in a photo that ran in the Arizona Republic in July 1982, and in an article in the South Florida Sun in April 1983.[6] [7]