As Women’s History Month 2012 comes to a close, I am reflecting about how women made contributions throughout history. While books, recordings, and nationwide celebrations provide stories about what they did and how they did it, I feel compelled to appreciate more significant contributions. I want to know how they go to their respective platforms.
Women leaders took a stand when told to sit and be demure. They sat down when told not to. Others spoke out when silenced. But, the real story is that they had the courage to do so in the first place. No one told them to take action. They were driven by some other force within.
When these women leaders stepped out on faith, nobody guaranteed their freedom or sang the praises. Sometimes they were ostracized and other times they had to run for their lives. What gave them the courage to speak out? Who inspired them to operate without fear?
Just consider the contributions of Susan B. Anthony, a Quaker activist. Or how about Ida B. Wells, a journalist and outspoken civil rights freedom fighter who refused to give up her seat more than 70 years before Rosa Parks. And what about the passionate plea from Dolores Huerta, noted labor leader who advocated for farm workers’ rights.
None of them received accolades that might be a purported reward for their courageous action. Instead they were apparently driven by a greater purpose, their cause and women’s equality.
As leaders with the faith and wisdom to step out and stand up for justice, these women and so many others deserve our appreciation. Only then can we step back and really appreciate that they paved the way.
Dawn McCoy
author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
