As we step into March, we honor Women’s Month and reflect on the bold, fearless women who have paved the way for the progress and opportunities we see today. Women’s history is rich with determination, grit, and an unwavering spirit of defiance against injustice. It is a history made up of trailblazers who refused to accept the status quo and who continue to inspire women around the world to pursue their dreams—fearlessly.
This month, as a woman-owned business, it’s important to take a moment and acknowledge not just how far we’ve come, but also the sheroes who laid the foundation for us to create, lead, and thrive. These women broke barriers, overcame adversity, and shaped the world we live in today. And, while we honor them, let’s also remember that you are a part of this ever-evolving herstory.
Here’s a look back at some key moments in the fight for women’s rights—moments made possible by the unwavering courage of women who demanded more.
The Timeline of Fearless Women
1900: Women gained property and wage rights.
At the dawn of the 20th century, women began gaining the legal right to own property and earn wages. This milestone was crucial in helping women attain financial independence and security, laying the groundwork for future equality.
1910: Women could wear pants.
In the early 20th century, women’s fashion was strictly regulated by societal norms, often limiting their mobility. In 1910, women began to defy these conventions, embracing pants as a symbol of freedom and practicality. This small act of rebellion sparked a wave of change in how women viewed their own rights and roles in society.
1920: White women gained the right to vote.
The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted white women the right to vote, a monumental step in the fight for women’s equality in the United States. While this victory was a significant step forward, it is essential to recognize that Black women and other women of color continued to face barriers to voting until later years.
1963: Women gained equal pay rights.
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 marked a historic achievement in the ongoing fight for women’s rights. It mandated equal pay for equal work, ensuring that women could no longer be paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same job. Yet, despite this legislation, the battle for pay equity continues today.
1965: Black women gained the right to vote.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a victory for Black women, who had been systematically excluded from the political process. With this act, Black women were finally able to exercise their right to vote, a critical moment in the fight for civil rights and gender equality.
1969: Women were allowed to initiate divorce from their husbands.
For much of history, women had little control over their own marriages. In 1969, California passed the nation’s first no-fault divorce law, allowing women the legal ability to initiate divorce without needing to prove fault. This landmark change helped women gain greater agency in their personal lives.
1972: Women could get birth control without a man.
The passage of the Title X Family Planning Program in 1972 gave women access to birth control without needing the approval of a male partner. This was a critical moment in women’s rights, giving women more control over their reproductive health and, by extension, their future.
1974: Women could buy a home without a man.
For centuries, women’s financial independence was limited by laws that required a male co-signer to purchase property. In 1974, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was passed, allowing women to purchase homes and obtain credit in their own names, further solidifying their economic independence.
1988: WOMEN COULD OWN THEIR BUSINESS WITHOUT A MAN.
The passage of the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 was a groundbreaking moment for women entrepreneurs. This law allowed women to apply for business loans and receive the necessary credit to start their own businesses without relying on a male co-signer. The law helped open doors for countless women to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners.
1994: Women gained legal protection against domestic violence.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), passed in 1994, provided legal protection for women facing domestic violence. It provided funding for victim assistance programs, created a national domestic violence hotline, and increased penalties for those who committed violent acts against women.
The Legacy of Fearless Women
These milestones in women’s history are not just dates—they are the results of tireless efforts, battles fought, and barriers broken. We stand on the shoulders of women like Elizabeth Blake, Sojourner Truth, Viola Liuzzo, Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Anne Braden, Diane Nash, Evelyn Grooms, Aileen Hernandez, Myrlie Evers, Coretta Scott King, Bernice King, and Chin-Ning Chu—fearless women who led the charge and broke barriers for equality, justice, and freedom. They fought for the rights we now enjoy, and their courage continues to guide us.
Women Changing the World Today
It’s important to note that the work of groundbreaking women is far from over. Today, we see women inventing products that have revolutionized the world. Women like Grace Hopper, who helped develop computer programming; Josephine Cochrane, the inventor of the dishwasher; Mary Anderson, who created the windshield wiper; and Marie Van Brittan Brown, the inventor of the home security system, are just a few of the incredible women whose innovations have shaped our modern world.
And today’s disruptors are continuing to lead the charge in industries like pharmaceuticals, fashion, and education. Women like Tia Robinson of Vertical Activewear, Lou Kennedy of Nephron Pharmaceuticals, Tammy Cohen, InfoMart and Rhoena Miller of Planet Mogul are setting new standards and challenging the status quo. These women, and so many others, are WBENC certified through GWBC® and other regional partner organizations, ensuring that they continue to have the opportunity to thrive and lead.
What Will Your Legacy Be?
As we celebrate Women’s Month, it’s important to remember that we are part of this incredible, ongoing journey of change. Our legacies will be shaped by the actions we take today, the choices we make for our businesses/organizations, and the way we support the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
What will your legacy be? How will you support and propel the next generation of women in business? Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, your impact matters. You’re part of the fabric of an inclusive, innovative future for women in business.
Let’s continue to build on the fearless legacy left for us and ensure that our actions today lay the foundation for future generations to thrive.
Happy Women’s Month! Keep pushing boundaries and making your mark. The world needs you, now more than ever.
Always in Your Service!
Roz