And I think women have come a very, very long way, but they have
When Lara Flynn Boyle declared, “And I think women have come a very, very long way, but they have a long way to go,” she captured the eternal rhythm of progress—of victories won, and of struggles that remain. Her words are both celebration and warning: celebration of the distance already traveled, and warning that the road stretches far beyond the horizon. The journey of women is not a tale concluded, but a pilgrimage still unfolding.
The ancients knew this truth well. For every step taken toward justice, there arises new ground yet unconquered. The Israelites crossed the Red Sea, but still wandered the desert before reaching the promised land. So too with women’s struggle: suffrage was won, barriers were broken, but freedom and equality in their fullest form remain incomplete. Boyle’s words remind us that to honor progress is not to rest upon it, but to press forward still.
History bears luminous witness. In the 19th century, Susan B. Anthony and her sisters in struggle battled for the right to vote. Their triumph, though monumental, was but the beginning. Decades later, women fought for workplace rights, reproductive autonomy, and representation in halls of power. Each victory was a milestone, yet each milestone revealed another summit beyond. The “long way” Boyle speaks of is this very continuum, where each generation inherits both the gains and the unfinished work of the last.
Her reflection also warns against complacency. When a people begin to think the journey is complete, the fires of progress cool, and old chains creep back in new disguises. By declaring that women still have “a long way to go,” she calls her listeners to vigilance and to courage, reminding them that the march of justice must never grow weary, lest the victories of the past be undone.
Thus, let us hear her words as both gratitude and summons. Women indeed have come a long way—from silence to speech, from shadows to the stage of history. Yet the horizon still beckons, calling for strength, vision, and unyielding resolve. Let future generations know that this road, though long, leads toward a dawn of dignity, where equality is not promise but reality. And may each traveler upon it walk with courage, until the journey is complete.
KTkhue tu
Lara Flynn Boyle’s quote captures the paradox of women’s progress: we’ve made great strides, but there’s still a long road ahead. While it's important to celebrate achievements, the unfinished journey shouldn't be ignored. Whether it's combating violence against women, improving representation in politics, or addressing healthcare disparities, what specific actions can be taken to ensure that the next steps in this journey are impactful and effective?
PDPhuong Di
This quote reflects both a sense of pride in the progress women have made and a recognition of the work left to be done. There have been significant milestones in gender equality, but systemic issues still exist, like the wage gap, access to healthcare, and societal expectations. How can women’s voices be amplified further in areas where they are still silenced or overlooked? What role do men play in this ongoing journey for equality?
TThien
It’s true that women have come a long way, but I sometimes wonder if the focus is too much on 'how far we've come' rather than actively pushing for the change that’s still needed. Gender equality isn’t just about symbolic progress—it’s about real, tangible changes in laws, culture, and daily life. What practical steps can we take to ensure that women’s progress continues in a meaningful and sustained way?
NKNgoc Khanh
This quote resonates with me because it acknowledges the long journey women have traveled, but it also brings attention to the unfinished work. While we’ve seen advancements in many areas, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions and face unequal pay and treatment. What are the next challenges that women should focus on? How can we push for change in these areas that still need so much progress?
ATAi Tam
I agree with this quote, as it highlights the progress women have made over time, but it also reminds us that there is still a lot to be done. While women have gained many rights and opportunities, gender equality in the workplace, politics, and society is still far from a reality. How much longer will it take for women to achieve true equality, and what steps need to be taken to close the remaining gaps?