The women�s movement arose in the early 19th century as an off-shoot of abolitionism, the anti-slavery movement that declared each human being to be a self-owner. As with other abolitionists, the early feminists were individualists who drew inspiration from the Declaration of Independence and its principles of individual rights and responsibility.

This vision of individualist feminism boldly explores a wide range of issues that confront the modern woman, including self-defense, economic well-being and employment, sex and abortion, the family, technology, and much more. Based on her new book, Liberty for Women, Wendy McElroy will discuss how the new feminism asserts the rights of consenting adults to their own sexuality, opposes censorship, and defends every woman�s right to self-defense. It champions competitive markets as the vehicle for women�s economic rights and prosperity. The new feminism celebrates the possibilities of technology and defends reproductive rights. And yet, it also defends the validity of choosing traditional values (e.g., to be a �stay-at-home mom�) for those who find satisfaction in doing so.

Ms. McElroy will chart a new feminism for the 21st century in a highly lucid, provocative, and inspiring way. �Choice� is the key, and every woman�s choices and expressions of self-ownership must be equally and legally respected, from housewives to CEOs. Only then can a meaningful debate arise over which choices may be the best ones for women to make freely.