Member-only story
Gender Equality Does Not Guarantee All Women Are Equal
Something to ponder during Women’s History Month.
March is Women’s History Month. Let’s celebrate! But wait — what exactly are we celebrating? We could start with the 19th Amendment when women were granted the right to vote. Or, by honoring Roe v. Wade when a women’s right to control her own body was legally recognized. Female trailblazers have fought hard to level the playing field for decades, advocating tirelessly for things like equal opportunity in the workplace, and most recently, justice for victims of sexual assault. Yes, there’s a lot to celebrate indeed.
I love being a woman, so don’t take this the wrong way — but sometimes I’m overwhelmed by all the choices we have. I’ve even contemplated whether it would have been “easier” to be born into a generation when men and women had more distinct roles. It would have been frustrating for sure, but perhaps making certain decisions—like whether to attempt juggling a career with parenthood—would have been less stressful in the absence of so many feasible options.
Don’t bite my head off just yet. I know. I sound old-fashioned and ungrateful for all the hard- working female leaders who fought for gender equality and paved the way to give us choices. I appreciate the progress. Honest. I remember a time back in the late ’90s when I was asked to wear a…
