June 2015 will go down in history as a transformational time. As a woman in business, I believe that the issues that are dominating the news are indicators that equality for all is far from reality. There are always at least two sides to every issue, but at the heart of the current debates is equality. As a business coach, woman in business and entrepreneur, I believe the fight for woman's equality continues to exist. Let me tell you why? 
Watching the TV and reading and listening to media reports this past month continued to remind me that the ideas of women in America are marginalized. All conversations of the healthcare debate eventually got bogged down into a re-debate of legalizing abortion. Of course, the Supreme Court decided this issue in January, 1973 - that is more than 42 years ago - time to move on, don't you think?
And, the gay marriage debate brought up talk of interracial marriage which was decided by the Court in 1967. To me the debate resurrected the demands of women in the mid-1800s. In my state of Massachusetts the Married Women's Property Act was passed on May 5, 1855. It allowed married women to own and sell real and personal property, control their earnings, and make wills. It took women until 1920 to win the right to vote. The 19th amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote. Achieving this milestone required a lengthy and difficult struggle, beginning in the mid-19th century, several generations of woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve this change to the Constitution. It was 1974 that the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was passed allowing women to secure credit in their own name. All of these historic events are important when we talk about individuals rights. Each one of these Supreme Court decisions, including the recent two, change women's rights and continue to secure equality for all.
It all comes down to the rights of individuals. My studies have shown me that women, particularly, have always been at the front of the protest line to fight for equality. Perhaps, it is because women believe that the fight for equality for all will eventually create a greater equality between the sexes. Unfortunately, there are no laws that can be written to make sure that all women are treated fairly to all men. Our looks and our biology will always make us different - and that difference makes true equality suspect.
Don't get me wrong! I'm proud to be a woman and particularly a woman in business. I wouldn't give up being a wife, mother and grandmother for anything. But, I know, that I MUST be my own advocate if I want to get what I want. I MUST speak up and let others know exactly my plan if I expect to achieve my goal. No one will take care of me if I don't take care of myself.
Perhaps, some readers of this blog are not pleased with the recent Supreme Court decisions. I realize, depending on your religion and other influencers of your ideas, you may come to a different conclusion. However, I hope that if you are a woman that you will consider my opinion that every step forward for equality is another step forward for you.
As a businesswoman, I believe the more freedom and equality individuals have the more potential customers there will be for me and my colleagues. Yes, I am a cup half full gal and someone who will always look for the silver lining. I also take great joy in watching friends and family feel freedom for the first time in their lives.
Every woman should believe she is just a little bit more equal that she was last month because greater equality for some is greater equality for all.
