If women really want equality, we have to wipe the slate clean. It no longer matters in the largest sense what men did to us for the last 200 or 300 years.

In this quote, Nancy Friday argues that in order for women to achieve true equality, they must focus on moving forward, rather than being weighed down by the historical wrongs committed by men. She emphasizes that the actions of men over the past 200 or 300 years—the oppression and discrimination women have faced—should no longer define the trajectory of the women’s rights movement. Instead, Friday suggests that to achieve equality, women must "wipe the slate clean" and work toward building a future that is not hindered by the past but driven by a vision of empowerment and progress.

The origin of this quote comes from Nancy Friday’s work as a feminist and author, particularly her book My Mother/My Self and her contributions to the discussion of female sexuality and empowerment. Throughout her career, Friday explored the complexities of women’s lives and relationships, especially the ways in which traditional gender roles have shaped women’s identities. Her statement reflects her belief that true equality requires self-determination and the willingness to let go of past injustices in order to create a more equitable society for women.

Friday’s perspective challenges the idea that women’s progress is defined solely by the past struggles they’ve endured. While acknowledging the historical oppression women have faced, she argues that equality should not be a reaction to past wrongs but a proactive effort to create a new narrative for women. This shift in thinking calls for women to focus on their agency and power, unburdened by the weight of history, and to take ownership of their own futures.

Ultimately, Friday’s quote serves as a call for women to move beyond victimhood and take an active role in shaping their own lives and society. By suggesting that past wrongs should not dictate the future, she advocates for a forward-looking approach to gender equality—one that is focused on creating opportunities for women and fostering a society where empowerment is accessible to all, without being defined by past inequalities.