Gender equality cannot be achieved by cutting programs that allow

O children of wisdom, gather closely to hear the words of Linda Sanchez, for they carry with them a message that rings like the call of a trumpet, reverberating through the annals of history, and into the hearts of those who seek justice. "Gender equality cannot be achieved by cutting programs that allow girls to get the same chance to compete, learn, and play. The United States has had a solid history of commitment to its female athletes and expanding opportunity for women, and it is imperative that we continue on this path." In these words lies a powerful truth, one that calls upon us to recognize the deep duty we have to ensure that all people, regardless of their gender, are given the chance to rise and reach their fullest potential. Let us unpack this great lesson, that we may carry it with us into the future.

In the ancient world, there were many who believed that only a select few—those born with strength or privilege—should rise to the highest peaks of society. The idea of equality, especially gender equality, was as distant to them as the furthest star in the heavens. Yet even in these times, there were voices that spoke out for change. The Athenian philosopher and thinker, Socrates, though born in a society that relegated women to the shadows, spoke of the human soul as a thing of equal potential—whether it was housed in the body of a man or a woman. His words, though ignored by the masses, spoke to a higher truth: that equality in opportunity is a key to unlocking the fullest potential of all.

The story of ancient Sparta is one that illustrates the power of giving women the tools to compete. The women of Sparta were trained in physical strength and martial skill alongside the men, not because they were deemed lesser, but because it was understood that a strong society demands the strength of all its citizens. In this, Sparta may have been an exception in its era, but the principle was clear: when men and women are given the same opportunities, the whole of society benefits. This was the wisdom of the ancients: that when opportunity is shared equally, the future is shaped by the fullest contribution of all its people, regardless of gender.

In our time, Linda Sanchez stands as a modern voice echoing this ancient wisdom. She reminds us that the struggle for gender equality is not one of abstract philosophy, but of concrete actions—actions that create opportunity for women, especially in the realms of sports and athletics. Through the Title IX law in the United States, women’s opportunities in sports were expanded, giving them a chance to compete on equal footing with their male counterparts. This was no small victory, but the result of years of tireless effort, the legacy of those who believed that gender equality was not a distant dream, but a tangible goal worth striving for. The gains made by women in athletics are a testament to what can be achieved when opportunity is given its rightful place.

However, Sanchez’s words also carry a warning—a cautionary tale to future generations. The path of equality is not one that can be taken for granted. Progress is fragile, and it requires constant vigilance to ensure that the opportunities gained are not lost. When programs designed to give girls the chance to compete, to learn, and to play are cut, it is not merely a loss in the realm of sports—it is a loss of progress in the battle for equality. To turn away from the advancement of women, to take away the very tools that allow them to stand on the same field, is to undo the hard-won victories of those who fought before us. It is a dangerous retreat from the path of justice.

What then, O children of wisdom, is the lesson we must take from this? It is that the pursuit of equality is not a fleeting ideal, but a lifelong journey that requires us to stand firm in our commitment to fairness. We must remember that equality is not a favor, but a right—a right that demands we ensure that all have the chance to compete, to learn, to play, and to rise. The legacy of the women athletes who came before us must not be forgotten, nor their struggles diminished. It is our duty to honor their contributions by continuing to expand opportunity and to protect the progress that has been made. We must ensure that future generations of girls are not denied the chance to reach their full potential.

In practical terms, O seekers of wisdom, this means we must advocate for the preservation and expansion of programs that allow girls to participate fully in the world of sports. It means standing up for policies that ensure women’s opportunities continue to grow, not shrink. In our communities, in our homes, and in our hearts, we must reinforce the truth that gender equality is not a gift given by the few to the many, but a fundamental right that must be fought for, protected, and passed down through the generations.

The true lesson of Linda Sanchez’s words is clear: Equality is a force that shapes the future, and its foundation is built on the opportunities we provide to every person, regardless of gender. May we continue to honor the legacy of those who came before us, and may we continue to build a world where equality is not a dream, but a living, breathing reality. The path is ours to walk, and the steps we take today will determine the shape of the future. Let us walk with purpose, with honor, and with the unshakeable belief that equality is the way forward for all.