Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories

Women’s History Month: An observance with significance

Drawing of women
Ruslana Chub/Getty Images

Johnson is a United Methodist pastor, the author of "Holding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community" (Abingdon Press, 2017) and program director for the Bridge Alliance, which houses The Fulcrum.

The historical significance of Women's History Month should not be understated. It was born out of the need to acknowledge the often-overlooked achievements of women that have been integral to the fabric of society.

This commemorative month, which begins March 1, traces its roots to the mid-19th century, a time marked by the suffrage movement that fought tirelessly for women's right to vote — a fundamental milestone in the journey toward equality. Over the decades, women have broken barriers in every field, from science and politics to the arts and sports, laying the groundwork for future generations.


The contemporary relevance of Women's History Month lies in the ongoing challenges faced by women. Despite significant progress, disparities persist. Gender wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership positions, violence against women, and limited access to health care are just a few of the issues that continue to impede gender equality. Moreover, the intersectionality of race, class and sexuality adds layers of complexity to these challenges, with women from marginalized communities often facing compounded discrimination.

Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter

Women's History Month is not just about reflecting on the past; it's about recognizing the continuous thread of women's contributions that enrich our present and shape our future. The pioneering efforts of scientists like Marie Curie, Katherine Johnson and Kizzmekia Corbett have expanded our understanding of the world and laid the foundation for future innovators to build upon. Their tenacity and brilliance lead aspiring young girls to be passionate about science.

The courageous activism of Sojourner Truth and Malala Yousafzai reminds us that the fight for justice is ongoing, and each voice can be powerful in championing change. Their courage underscores the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and the impact it can have on the world. These women, among countless others, have demonstrated that socio-political resistance can take many forms, and all are essential in the journey toward equity.

Similarly, the creative expressions of artists like Frida Kahlo and Maya Angelou offer us a window into the depths of the human experience, highlighting shared struggles and triumphs. Their art transcends time and inspires those who seek to understand and express life's complex emotions. Their legacy is a testament to the power of art in not only capturing the essence of an era but also influencing culture and thought.

The evolution of women's roles is evident as we witness more female leaders who bring fresh perspectives, challenge traditional norms and advocate for policies that benefit a broader spectrum of society. This surge of women in leadership positions is a beacon of progress, demonstrating that diversity in power is not only possible but beneficial for all. As they lead, focusing on social justice, health care, education and environmental sustainability, these women are shaping a legacy that encourages future generations to continue pushing achievable boundaries.

Each of us, I believe, has a part to play in securing the future of mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends through acts of solidarity. Such acts serve as bulwarks against the pervasive disparities that continue to undermine the rights of women globally. A critical pillar is education. By integrating accurate and comprehensive historical accounts into educational curricula, we can empower young girls with the knowledge of their foremothers' achievements, instilling the confidence and determination to discern their paths.

We must be vigilant in our efforts to safeguard women from violence by supporting legislation that addresses domestic abuse, sexual harassment and trafficking. Ensuring that women have complete control over their reproductive rights is a non-negotiable aspect of this movement, as it is intrinsic to their autonomy and well-being.

Likewise, fostering inclusive environments in every sphere of life is critical for advancing solidarity. Inclusive spaces and systems that challenge and dismantle gender stereotypes promote diversity and provide accessible paths for leadership, which are proven to work. By doing so, we enrich our communities and workplaces and model the principles of equity and respect for future generations.

This March is a call to acknowledge the past, affirm the present, and commit to a future where women's rights are recognized and unassailable. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by women before us and acknowledge the responsibility we all share to continue their legacy. Join in embracing this Women's History Month with gratitude and determination, ensuring the preservation of the inalienable rights of girls and women everywhere.

Read More

Leaders Can Promote Gender Equity Without Deepening Polarization − Here’s How
Getty Images, pixelfit

Leaders Can Promote Gender Equity Without Deepening Polarization − Here’s How

Americans largely agree that women have made significant gains in the workplace over the past two decades. But what about men? While many Americans believe women are thriving, over half believe men’s progress has stalled or even reversed.

To make matters more complex, recent research has revealed a massive divide along gender and partisan lines. The majority of Republican men think full gender equity in America has been achieved, while the majority of Democratic women think there’s still work to be done.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump Is Sabotaging America’s Greatest Demographic Advantage

The U.S. flag, a certification of naturalization, and a U.S. passport.

Getty Images, Thanasis

Trump Is Sabotaging America’s Greatest Demographic Advantage

“A profoundly dangerous and destabilizing thing.” That’s how Vice President J.D. Vance recently described America’s falling birthrate. Recently, the “inherently pronatalist” White House is considering a new set of proposals to address it—including government-funded menstrual cycle education and even a national medal for women who bear six or more children. But while Republicans may recognize the problem, their broader agenda actively undermines the most immediate and effective solution to population decline: immigration.

The Trump administration is enacting an all-out assault on immigration. Breaking from decades of Republican rhetoric that championed legal immigration, the current approach targets not just undocumented migration but legal pathways as well.

Keep ReadingShow less
An illustration of diverse people around a heart with the design of the American flag.
An illustration of diverse people around a heart with the design of the American flag.
Getty Images, wildpixel

The Next Hundred Days: America's Latest Test of Democracy

For decades, we have watched America wrestle with its demons. Sometimes, she has successfully pinned them down. Other times, the demons have slipped beyond her grasp. Yet, America has always remained in the ring. There is no difference right now, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

Across America, from small-town council meetings to state legislatures, there's a coordinated effort to roll back the clock on civil rights, geopolitical relations, and the global economy. It's not subtle, and it's not accidental. The targeting of immigrants and citizens of color has become so normalized that we risk becoming numb to it. For example, what happened in Springfield, Ohio, late last year? When national politicians started pushing rhetoric against Haitian immigrants, it wasn't just local politics at play. It was a test balloon, a preview of talking points soon echoed in halls of government and media outlets nationwide. Thus, this is how discrimination, intolerance, and blatant hate go mainstream or viral—it starts small, tests the waters, and spreads like a virus through our body politic and social system.

Keep ReadingShow less
Two groups of people approaching each other over a chasm, ready to shake hands.

Two groups of people approaching each other over a chasm, ready to shake hands.

Getty Images, timsa

The Impact of Trump’s Executive Actions: Efforts To Eliminate DEI

This essay is part of a series by Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD) explaining in practical terms what the new administration’s executive orders and other official actions mean for all of us. Virtually all of these actions spring from the pages of Project 2025, the administration's 900-page blueprint for government action over the next four years. The Project 2025 agenda should concern all of us, as it tracks strategies already implemented in countries such as Hungary to erode democratic norms and adopt authoritarian approaches to governing.

Project 2025’s stated intent to move quickly to “dismantle” the federal government will strip the public of important protections against excessive presidential power and provide big corporations with enormous opportunities to profit by preying on America's households.

Keep ReadingShow less