I think that American women are further along than any other

"I think that American women are further along than any other women in the world. But you can't have peace in a world in which some women or some men or some nations are at different stages of development. There is so much work to be done." These profound words, spoken by Alice Paul, strike at the very heart of the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and peace. In her observation, Paul recognizes the progress made by American women, but she acknowledges that true peace can never be achieved when there are disparities—whether by gender, race, or nationality. A world in which some are left behind, marginalized, or oppressed, is a world in which peace is only a distant dream. To achieve true peace, we must work toward a world where everyone—regardless of gender, background, or nationality—has the opportunity to flourish, where progress is not measured in isolation but as a collective, shared movement.

In the ancient world, the concept of peace was often viewed as harmony, a balance achieved not just within the self, but within society as a whole. The Greeks, in their writings on politics and society, understood that justice was the foundation of any peace. Plato, in his work The Republic, envisioned an ideal society in which justice was upheld, not just for the rulers, but for everyone—where all individuals, regardless of status, were treated with respect and fairness. Plato also spoke of the soul's development and how true peace could only be achieved when every individual was given the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to the whole. In this sense, Alice Paul’s words echo the ancient wisdom that peace cannot exist while parts of society are held back or denied their basic rights and opportunities. True peace is a universal peace, one where no one is left behind.

The Romans, too, understood that society and peace were inseparable. In the years before the rise of the Roman Empire, the Roman Republic grappled with the challenge of balancing power between different classes. The Struggle of the Orders, a centuries-long conflict between the plebeians (commoners) and patricians (aristocrats), was rooted in a desire for justice and equity. The plebeians, who had long been excluded from political power, sought rights, including the right to stand on equal footing with the patricians. Over time, their struggle for representation and justice bore fruit, and many of their demands were met, allowing for a more inclusive society. But the ancient Romans knew well that peace could never be achieved unless justice was extended to all parts of society, not just the privileged few. This idea of equity is central to Alice Paul’s belief that true peace cannot exist while some women, men, or nations are left behind.

The story of Susan B. Anthony and the American suffrage movement offers a vivid example of the long and difficult path toward equality that Alice Paul was fighting for. Anthony and other women like her fought tirelessly for the right to vote, believing that women’s inclusion in the democratic process was essential to achieving true justice. Their struggle, often met with fierce opposition, represents the historical reality that progress is rarely a smooth path. Yet, Susan B. Anthony persisted, never losing sight of her goal for equality and peace. She understood that the fight for women’s rights was not just about voting rights, but about achieving justice and peace in the broader sense. Like Alice Paul, Anthony believed that peace could never be achieved when half of the population—the women—were denied their rights and treated as inferior to men.

Even today, as we reflect on Alice Paul’s words, we can see that the fight for peace and equality is far from over. The struggles of women around the world—whether in developing nations, where they may be denied education or access to healthcare, or in developed nations, where gender pay gaps and glass ceilings persist—are clear signs that peace and justice remain unfinished tasks. Consider the Global Women’s March, which saw millions of women and men rallying for equality and rights across the world. While progress has been made, the challenges remain. The work is not yet done, and as Alice Paul wisely noted, peace cannot exist as long as inequality and injustice remain entrenched in society.

The lesson from Alice Paul’s words is clear: true peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equality, and opportunity for all. If we are to live in a world where peace is more than a fleeting moment, it is essential that we strive for a world where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This work, however, cannot be left to others; it is the duty of each generation to carry forward the cause of justice and equality. Like the ancient philosophers and the tireless suffragists, we must continue to fight for a world where no one is left behind, where the peace that we long for is a peace that embraces everyone.

In our own lives, we must ask: how can we contribute to the ongoing fight for equality and justice? Are we speaking out when we see injustice, no matter how small, and standing with those who are marginalized? The work is not easy, and it requires both patience and persistence, but it is the work of creating a world where true peace exists—not just for some, but for all. Let us take Alice Paul’s words to heart and commit to the ongoing fight for a world where peace is not a distant dream, but a living, breathing reality for everyone. True peace can only exist when we all walk together, in justice and equality, toward a better future.