Rosalynn Carter, the wife of the 39th President of the United States, is not only remembered as the First Lady but also as a dedicated advocate for women's rights. Rosalynn used her platform to address and advance crucial issues affecting women across the nation. Rosalynn was a supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of gender. She believed that women should have the same opportunities and protections in law as men, and she worked hard to promote gender equality. One of Rosalynn's notable commitments was her involvement in the Presidents Commission on Mental Health. She utilized her position to shed light on mental health issues, advocating for increased awareness, understanding, and resources for those struggling with mental health challenges. Her efforts aimed to destigmatize mental health problems and ensure that individuals, especially women, received the care and support they need. Rosalynn Carter was a strong proponent of comprehensive healthcare reform, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordable healthcare for all Americans. Her advocacy extended to issues like maternal and child health, and she played a key role in shaping policies that addressed the unique healthcare needs of women. After leaving the White House, Rosalynn continued her advocacy work through Carter Center, focusing on global health, democracy, and human rights. Her commitment to improving the lives of women persisted, demonstrating that the fight for women's rights is a lifelong journey.
Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice, left an indelible mark on the legal landscape and shattered gender barriers throughout her career. While serving as a Supreme Court Justice she went through a bout of breast cancer, after 5 years she beat the cancer, but during the time she still showed up to work with a wig on. Prior to her nomination, she had already distinguished herself as a judge on the Arizona State Court of Appeals and as the first female Majority Leader in any U.S. state senate. One of Justice O'Connor's landmark decisions was in the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), where she co-authored the majority opinion, upholding a woman's right to choose while allowing states to impose certain restrictions. Beyond her judicial legacy, Sandra Day O'Connor has been an advocate for civic education. Following her retirement, she founded iCivics, an organization dedicated to promoting civic education in schools. O'Connor worked to equip future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary for active participation in democracy. In 2018, Sandra Day O'Connor announced her withdrawal from public life due to a diagnosis of dementia. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and advocates for gender equality. Her legacy continues to remind us that the pursuit of justice knows no gender, and her contributions have paved the way for generations of women in law and public service.