It is the lessons we have taken from the past and the knowledge we draw on to live today and to shape the future. For me, one lesson from history is that it is no coincidence that America’s great success in the past century came as women steadily increased their participation in every aspect of society.
Starting with gaining the vote, just a few years before International Women’s Day, “The American Century,” as it’s sometimes known, was also a century of progress for women. Fundamental to our country’s values, to those ideals that have been and continue to be so influential around the world, is the principle of equality for all, including for women.