“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.”
“Feminism is the notion that we should each be free to develop our own talents and not be held back by manmade [sic] barriers.”
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the most respected and notable women in the world. As a Supreme Court Justice, she represented women worldwide, fighting for equality and women’s rights.
From a young age, Ginsburg fought through sexism. She never let sexist remarks define or undermine her potential and dreams. After graduating from Harvard and Columbia Law School, she co-founded ACLU, an organization campaigning for gender equality.
Ginsburg persisted, leading by action. Despite the male-dominated environment, she progressed with force. With her excellent educational background and passion, she challenged society’s view on women to shine a light on the power of women.
Ginsburg’s mother had a significant impact on her and her activism for women’s rights, “My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” She has credited her mother with being a huge influence in her life and her hopes of becoming a women’s rights activist.
During Ginsburg’s time as a Supreme Court Justice, she championed five new laws supporting gender equality:
- Employers cannot discriminate against employees based on gender or reproductive choices.
- State-funded schools must admit women.
- Women have the right to financial independence and equal benefits.
- Men are entitled to the same caregiving and social security rights as women.
- Juries must include women.
Without a powerful woman like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, women would not have as much force as they do now. She has undoubtedly led the way for gender equality in the United States and has driven our society to be more accepting.
Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the women that have carved a path for women’s rights and equality, especially during Women’s History Month. I, for one, appreciate and commend all of the women who have passionately pushed for equality.