On May 29, 2024, Hollywood will witness a remarkable gathering of cinema and activism as the film “Still Working 9 to 5” premieres at the esteemed Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center, Renberg Theatre. This event is not merely a cinematic showcase but a vibrant celebration of the ongoing struggle for women’s equality in the workplace. The spotlight will shine on Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, women who have not only left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry but have also been vociferous advocates for gender equality.

“Still Working 9 to 5”, directed by Camille Hardman and Gary Lane, delves into the persistent issues surrounding women’s rights in the workplace, continuing the conversation sparked by the original 1980 comedy “9 to 5”. The film is significant, given its timely focus on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and its advocacy for sex equality across all sectors. It marries humor with weighty social issues, reflecting on how the beloved characters from the iconic original are navigating the challenges that women still face in professional environments.

The original “9 to 5” was more than just a successful comedy; it became a cultural phenomenon that highlighted the systemic inequities faced by women in the workplace. Featuring Dabney Coleman alongside Fonda, Tomlin, and Parton, the film used sharp humor and heartfelt scenarios to bring to light issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination, and the gender pay gap—topics that were seldom discussed openly at the time. Forty-four years later, the battle for equality and fair pay continues, marking the relevance of this sequel or thematic continuation through “Still Working 9 to 5”.

Dolly Parton’s statement, “Who knew that 44 years later I’d still be working 9 to 5. I believed then, and I believe now that every person deserves to be paid fairly for their work… no matter who they are,” underscores the ongoing relevance of these issues. Similarly, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have also expressed strong sentiments on the necessity of continued advocacy for women’s equality.

The involvement of prominent actresses like Allison Janney and Rita Moreno in the film also highlights the broadening support for the ERA and women’s rights within the entertainment community. Beyond the film, the premiere serves as a fundraiser for the ERA Coalition, with proceeds aimed at bolstering further advocacy and legislative efforts for the ERA’s ratification.

The ERA Coalition Forward describes itself as a “movement of movements”, representing a spectrum of socio-political causes related to gender, race, economic, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. The Coalition’s strategy of connecting these intergenerational and intersectional issues underlines the importance of a holistic approach to advocating for sex equality.

The Hollywood premiere of “Still Working 9 to 5” is also significant as it marks the beginning of the ERA Coalition West Coast convening, signaling a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for women’s rights both in and out of the workplace. This special evening, which intertwines celebration with advocacy, not only honors the enduring legacy left by the stars of “9 to 5” but also illuminates the pressing need to continue these conversations today.

As society continues to evolve, the messages within “Still Working 9 to 5” and the broader discourse it encourages are vital, reminding audiences of the work that remains in achieving true equality and reflecting on the power of media to influence public perception and policy.