5 Reasons Why Eric Holder is Secretly a Feminist

1) He believes in advancing the rights of women and girls worldwide.

On September 24, 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder spoke at the Women’s Access to Justice High-Level Event at the United Nations. The U.S Department of Justice takes the lead in empowering women across and beyond America. The Justice Department has partnered with many nations to protect women and girls by working to enhance collection following from sexual assaults, improving healthcare outcomes for those who are victimized, and improving procedures for prosecution of sex crimes.

2) He supports the VAWA Act.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed in Congress in 1994, and created special provisions in the U.S immigration law to protect victims of abuse who are not citizens of the United States. Even though the word “women” is in the title, abused men may also apply for relief. On September 13, 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder released a statement on the 18th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), explaining the act had “vastly improved our ability to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and has helped countless victims of these crimes get access to needed services.”

3) He announced the FBI’s new definition of rape.

After years of efforts led by the women’s rights community, the FBI’s definition of rape had finally changed. On January 6, 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder proudly announced revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s (UCR) definition of rape, which was the first update in nearly a century. The change was made to ensure justice for those who have been effected by sexual violence and whose suffering had gone uncounted far too long. 

4) He launched the Defending Childhood Initiative.

On September 23, 2010, General Eric Holder launched this initiative to address the exposure of America’s children to violence and victims and as witnesses. While serving as the U.S Attorney for the District of Columbia and through his tenure as Deputy Attorney General in the Clinton Administration, he personally and professionally committed to this issue for many years.

5) He received support in being nominated as U.S Attorney General.

In nomination for U.S Attorney General, a wide range of leaders expressed their support for Eric Holder. On January 7, 2009, a press conference was held for the nomination and representatives from the Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), and National Organization for Women (NOW) were in attendance. Throughout his career, Mr. Holder has been noted to have a strong background in combating violence against women, enforcing civil rights, increasing diversity in the legal profession and more.