1848- Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott organize Seneca Falls Convention
1903- Marie Curie becomes the first woman to win the Nobel Prize
1933- Francis Perkins becomes the first woman to serve as a Presidential Cabinet member
2025-…….
The list of the events above signify that the tapestry of women’s history is a vibrant and intricate masterpiece, impossible to capture through a single event. It is woven from the countless endeavors and unwavering determination of women across the ages, each thread representing a story of resilience and courage. Every generation has painstakingly built upon the foundations laid by its predecessors, advocating for the rights and recognition of women in a timeless and evolving journey.
As we pause to reflect on this rich and inspiring legacy, we should acknowledge that while earlier battles centered around securing representation and opportunities, our current struggle is to recognize that the change has already happened to a great extent. Women need to take up the opportunity and live up to their true potential no matter what obstacle is put in front of them.
Many believe that the progress of one gender signifies the progress of the other, but UN Women reports that women earn only 77 cents for every dollar men make, showing a significant pay gap that leads to lasting financial inequality. Moreover, Cogent Infotech states that women hold only 33% of senior leadership positions in both public and private sectors. This data is accurate, but society’s outlook on women is changing significantly, for the better.
For one, the roles that women choose to embody have evolved. In the past, women were often confined to “pink-collar jobs,” but now the definition of a woman’s job has broadened. Women are no longer solely responsible for household duties or motherhood; they are also stepping into leadership roles whether it be in schools, colleges, and various industries. Numerous examples demonstrate how women are breaking the “glass ceiling” and proving their value across all sectors: Sunita Williams, Marie Curie, Mother Teresa, and many more. These remarkable women have shown that hard work knows no gender, proving that with determination, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness in their field.
Gone are the days when women relied on men to fulfill their every need. Today’s women are capable of supporting themselves and thriving independently, regardless of whether a man is present.
The way men perceive women has also shifted. My father has told me that “There is no difference between my daughter and my son. My daughter is just as valued as my son.” Many men have become more supportive of their daughters, wives, and mothers, encouraging their daughters to pursue education and personal growth. Men are also striving to raise a new generation of men who will support the women around them and a generation of women who will persevere and excel, no matter the obstacles they face.
A clear example is in the case of education as seen today. The Pew Research Center reports that the gap between women and men earning bachelor’s degrees has widened since 1995. In 1995, 25% of both genders held a bachelor’s degree. Now, 47% of women have a degree compared to just 32% of men.
Additionally, many high school STEM competitions, such as Digital Divas, which female computer science students on Feb. 8, help women grow in the fields of their interest. According to computer science teacher Lubna Lorena, this program is not only a powerful catalyst for inspiration but also fosters a strong sense of community among girls who share a fervent passion for coding and innovation. Events like Digital Divas actively challenge and help dismantle the outdated stereotype that STEM is only for men.
Both the positive and negative aspects of this data effectively reflect the status of women both now and in the past. Which perspective we embrace depends on whether we want to move forward or remain stuck in a time when women were not viewed as they are today.
A new woman is not defined by the types of clothes she wears, the people she follows on social media, or the way she looks. A new, smart, bold woman is one who makes her choices independently. She recognizes that it’s time to embrace every opportunity that comes her way, working hard to achieve her dreams.
Despite the continuing pay gap and many restrictions on women in the workplace, women continue to fight these battles bravely, effectively bringing a positive change in the society.
The time has come to turn a new leaf in the lives of every woman and write our story today in the ink that symbolizes our strength, achievements, and boldness—not in the shadows of the past when women were underrepresented.
