Women may not have it easy, but we are given a fairer chance to

"Women may not have it easy, but we are given a fairer chance to reach for the top." These words, spoken by Jessica Savitch, an iconic journalist, are a poignant reminder of the challenges and opportunities that women face as they navigate their way through a world often defined by gender and societal expectation. Savitch’s statement reflects the ongoing struggle for equality—the struggle of women to break through the barriers imposed upon them and claim their rightful place in the world of power, influence, and success. At the same time, her words offer hope—a recognition that, though the path may be difficult, the possibilities for women today are more expansive than ever before.

In the ancient world, women were often relegated to the shadows of history, their voices seldom heard and their contributions largely ignored. The Greeks, for example, while celebrating the heroism of their male warriors and philosophers, paid little heed to the roles women played in their society. Figures like Socrates and Plato discussed the ideal state and the nature of justice, but women were typically absent from their dialogues. It was only through the actions of a few extraordinary women—like Sappho, the poet from the island of Lesbos, or Artemisia, the queen and naval commander—did women’s strength and intellect begin to challenge the traditional norms. Yet even in their brilliance, they were exceptions, not the rule.

As time passed, history continued to be shaped by the influence of men. Cleopatra, the last ruler of ancient Egypt, is one of the few women whose power and political savvy have been widely acknowledged. Despite the numerous barriers she faced, from her gender to the foreign nature of her rule, Cleopatra carved a place for herself as a queen, diplomat, and military leader. Her ability to navigate the complexities of politics, as well as her relationships with powerful men like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, showcased not just the challenges she faced, but the strategic acumen she used to overcome them. However, her story was the exception, not the norm, for most women in the ancient world.

Fast forward to the modern age, and we begin to see the shift that Savitch speaks of—the moment when women are granted better chances to rise to the top. While Jessica Savitch herself made an indelible mark in the world of broadcast journalism, the road for women like her was still fraught with difficulty. It is important to recognize that while the chance to reach the top may be fairer now, it is by no means easy. Women still face the weight of prejudice, bias, and expectations that men do not, but the opportunities to push through these barriers have expanded dramatically.

In the 20th century, the women’s liberation movement became a transformative force, fighting for equal rights, employment opportunities, and access to education. Figures like Rosa Parks, who defied racial and gender expectations by refusing to give up her seat on a bus, and Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for girls' education despite being shot by the Taliban, embodied the courage and resilience required to reach for the top, even in the face of overwhelming odds. These women, along with countless others, have demonstrated that the journey to success for women, while difficult, is filled with immense potential for growth and change.

The story of Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only person to win two in different scientific fields, exemplifies the triumph over adversity. Curie faced not only the challenges of being a woman in the male-dominated field of science, but also the deep prejudice against her gender. Yet, her brilliance, determination, and relentless pursuit of knowledge allowed her to shatter boundaries and redefine what was possible for women in her time. Her story teaches us that while the obstacles may be significant, the will to succeed can propel a woman to the highest echelons of achievement, and her contributions can change the world.

The lesson here is that, though the road may be harder, the opportunity exists. Women have come further than ever before, and the chance to reach for the top is no longer just a distant dream. Savitch’s words remind us that every step a woman takes toward success is a victory, not only for her but for all of society. Gratitude for the progress made must coexist with an acknowledgment of the continued work necessary to ensure equality and fairness. For those of us fortunate to be living in this moment, the challenge is to continue the legacy of those who came before us, paving the way for the next generation of women to reach higher and dream bigger.

Therefore, let us take Savitch’s words to heart and use them as a call to action. As women, we must embrace the opportunities afforded to us, and with courage and tenacity, claim our rightful place in the world. As men and women of the future, let us commit to supporting women’s growth, to creating an environment where they are not only given a chance, but allowed to thrive. The progress made should never be taken for granted, and we must continue to fight for a world where every woman has the same chance to reach the top and redefine the future.