Women's history is full of trailblazers and fighters that stood up for equal footing in America. There was Abigail Adams in 1776 reminding her husband, John, to "remember the ladies" as he was contemplating a government structure for this new country. In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to graduate medical school from Geneva College in New York at the top of her class, and became a doctor in the United States. In 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana was the first woman elected to the US House of Representatives. Interestingly, the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution giving women the right to vote was not passed until 1920.
In 1955, Rosa Parks made her stand by refusing to give up her seat on a bus, and helped launch the civil rights movement. 1973 brought the "Battle of the Sexes" when Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in a tennis match. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman sworn onto the Supreme Court in 1961 and Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983.
These are but a tiny sampling of the things that women have accomplished, pursued and acted upon to have their rights and accomplishments recognized. They didn't do it for publicity because many times it came at great personal cost. They did it because it was right and just.
The 2025 theme for Women's History Month is "Moving Forward Together" which celebrates "Women Educating and Inspiring Generations". Help us lift up and celebrate the women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship and leadership which in turn shapes the minds and futures of all generations. Read more about National Women's History Alliance here.
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