(READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT https://www.elitedaily.com/p/12-young-women-reflect-on-ruth-bader-ginsburgs-legacy-how-to-keep-fighting-35340553)
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BY ANIKA NAYAKSEP. 30, 2020
It’s been more than a week since Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death on Sept. 18, and Americans continue to mourn the loss of the feminist icon. Her nearly 30 years on the Supreme Court, where she ruled on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, gender discrimination, and reproductive rights, solidified her as a champion for gender equality. After her death, many people are wondering — what now? For these young women, honoring RBG’s legacy is about thinking of the future.
Ginsburg’s long legacy of championing gender equality spread across decades, including years as a lawyer fighting discrimination long before she was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993. Her contributions to America include landmark opinions on equal pay, pregnancy discrimination, reproductive rights, and marriage equality. Before she passed away, her last wish, as communicated to her granddaughter, was that she “will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” She fostered a sense of hope in this country to change the political landscape and advance progressive policies. Now, young activists want to carry on her wish and forward momentum, translating it into action when Americans cast their ballots in November.
Elite Daily spoke to 12 young women across the nation about their reactions to RBG’s death and the legacy she left behind. Here’s what they have to say about upholding the former Supreme Court justice’s legacy this election season.
These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Valerie C., 20
Greenwich, Connecticut
Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated her life to uplifting the women of future generations, women like my mother, women like me. RBG ensured my mother could attend medical school, and now it’s possible for me to explore my passions to the fullest extent, to be paid equal to a man, to explore family life (in the future!), and advance my career.
With her passing, I promised myself to do as she did, and keep future generations in mind while navigating my life. I want to ask myself, “What can I do to help women of the future?” For me, that will be obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing, higher education in public policy, and transitioning into forming health care policy. Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated her life to the future, and so I promise to do the same. I will not let the energy of women’s empowerment die with me. Women will always lift each other up.
Honoring RBG’s legacy is multifold. First and foremost, voting is essential. Other actions we all can do are things like helping friends register to vote, arranging car rides to voting polls, organizing advocacy and awareness events at our universities, and petitioning to cancel classes on Election Day. I took it one step further and started my own nonprofit, The College Voter, to emphasize voting and decrease polarization on college campuses. Movements only become successful through daily action — one big push or action isn’t enough. Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated her life to her work. It took more than one day, one week, one year to succeed. Even if it takes time, the best way to honor her legacy is to not give up. Ever. If life throws you the biggest curveball, you do not give up. You readjust and you blaze forward.
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