Women's history month-Women in leadership

Aidan Altman '25

Junior Copy Editor

First, some history, according to 6sqft writer Michelle Cohen, in her piece Women’s History Month began in New York in 1909 to honor the city’s garment workers’ strike, “International Women’s Day originated in New York City. As the one-year anniversary of the city’s garment industry strike led by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers”. This was a monumental event for women because it allowed for new laws to be made in order to protect workers. Although this event happened a long time ago, women continue to push boundaries and reach goals. This article will focus on a few noteworthy women who have paved the way for future generations of women. 

1. Lilly Ledbetter - Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

 Lilly Ledbetter was a powerful woman who advocated for women's wage equity. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who achieved the great status of being appointed as a supreme court justice on the United States Supreme Court, planted her roots in the feminist movement when she was just in her 20s. According to Jeramy Gordon’s article, The Impact of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stepped in, urging Lilly to fight back. She did, and was ultimately victorious. On January 29, 2009, President Obama signed his very first piece of legislation, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, overturning the Supreme Court’s decision and amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964” . This Act enusures that worker will not be taken advantage of by employers and big coorperations. Also, this Act makes it easier for workers to continue fighting for wage equity cases beyond the first six-month window. Ledbetter continues to fight for equal pay for women. As a result of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, women’s salaries increased and their families could afford a better quality of life.

2. Patsy Takemoto Mink

Patsy Takemoto Mink made her mark as a congress woman who served in Hawaii's second Congressional District for over 20 years. She was the first woman of Japanese descent to serve in that position. As mentioned by Kerri Lee Alexander in the National Women’s History Museum, Mink was the first woman with this cultural background to earn a role in the Hawaiian congressional seat, Mink developed a thick skin to face the criticism from her male counterparts. For over 40 years she was an outspoken advocate for women's rights. She earned the respect of her peers and her legacy has remained strong for decades after her passing.

3. Katherine Graham

Katherine Graham earned her success in the business world by serving as the first female CEO of what would become one of the largest publishing houses in the world, The Washington Post. She ensured that the news was delivered in an unbiased and complete manner. It was not easy for a woman to enter a male dominated industry such as publishing. According to the Washington Post, Graham was not deterred by these headwinds and managed to work her way up the ladder and become one of the most powerful women in the country. 

Every March we honor and celebrate the achievements made by women. Women’s History Month highlights the contributions that women have made to society and the world throughout the years. It is important for Louisville girls to recognize the achievements of their female counterparts in the broader community.