Celebrating Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Relentless Force for Equality

As we close Women’s History Month, we reflect on the legacies of trailblazing women who have shifted the world with their courage, brilliance, and unshakable purpose. Today, we honor one of the most enduring symbols of justice and gender equality: Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

A U.S. Supreme Court Justice, a champion for women’s rights, and an icon of quiet resilience, Ginsburg—affectionately known as RBG—spent her life fighting for a more equal world. Her legacy is not just etched into the laws of the United States, but into the hearts of millions who saw in her the power of determination, intellect, and integrity.

A Brilliant Mind in a Biased System

Born in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was raised to value education, independence, and fairness. She excelled academically, eventually attending Harvard Law School as one of only nine women in a class of over 500 men.

Despite graduating first in her class from Columbia Law School, she struggled to find work—a reality faced by many women at the time, regardless of their qualifications. Law firms simply weren’t hiring women.

But Ginsburg was not deterred. Instead, she turned that exclusion into fuel for her life's work: challenging systemic discrimination and advocating for equal protection under the law.

Changing the Law—and the Future

Before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Ginsburg made her mark as a legal pioneer. As co-founder of the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU, she argued six pivotal gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court—winning five of them.

Her strategy was revolutionary. Rather than attacking all discriminatory laws at once, she carefully selected cases that would build precedent, using male plaintiffs to demonstrate that gender discrimination hurts everyone. Her approach was slow, steady, and strategic—mirroring her own quiet yet formidable demeanour.

In 1993, she was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton, becoming the second woman ever to serve on the Court. From her seat, Ginsburg continued to champion civil rights, reproductive freedom, and equal pay.

Dissents That Spoke Volumes

Even as the Court shifted ideologically, Ginsburg held firm. In her later years, she became known for her powerful dissents—opinions written in disagreement with the majority—many of which became rallying cries for progressive movements.

In a famous dissent from the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire case, where the Court ruled against fair pay protections, she wrote:

"The Court does not comprehend or is indifferent to the insidious way in which women can be victims of pay discrimination."

Her words led directly to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, the first bill signed into law by President Obama.

A Cultural Icon, A Personal Legacy

In her later years, Ruth Bader Ginsburg became an unexpected pop culture icon. Dubbed the “Notorious RBG,” she inspired memes, tattoos, documentaries, and even children’s books. But behind the fame was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering principle, and tireless commitment.

She was also known for her deep friendship with ideological opposite Justice Antonin Scalia, showing that respect and civility could exist even in profound disagreement—a lesson as important as any ruling from the bench.

Her Words, Her Wisdom

RBG left behind a wealth of wisdom, but one quote captures her mission perfectly:

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.”

This was not just a belief—it was a blueprint. Through her life and work, she made those places more accessible to the women who came after her.

A Lasting Legacy

Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in 2020, but her impact continues to ripple through society. Her legal victories transformed the landscape for women in the United States. Her dissents laid the groundwork for future progress. Her presence on the Court reminded us that one person, with vision and resolve, can change the course of history.

On this final day of Women’s History Month, we honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg not just for what she did, but for what she made possible—for every woman, girl, and future leader.

Her life reminds us: real change isn’t always loud—but it is always lasting.