Being a woman with her sights set on a career in politics, it's challenging to find a role model in this field. The USA ranks 98th in the world for percentage of women in its national legislature. Twenty-four states have never had a female governor, and currently, only five governors are women. The percentage of women holding statewide and state legislative offices is less than 25 percent, and worst of all, it is speculated that it will take nearly 500 years for women to reach fair representation in government. While these statistics can be discouraging for someone who has political ambitions, there are a few amazing women to look up to. The woman in politics that I find most inspiring is Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG).
Who is RBG?
Ruth Joan Bader Ginburg is a Supreme Court Justice of the United States, second woman to ever be elected for this position. RBG has earned her fame by fighting for equality with the utmost grace and a sprinkle of sass. She has faced gender discrimination at every step of her career and still has managed to make it to the nations highest court. As of March 15, RBG is 83 years old and fierce as ever.
Interesting facts about RBG:
1. RBG has beaten cancer not only once, but twice. During her treatment for colon cancer in '99, which included surgery, chemotheraphy, and radiation treatment, she did not miss one day on the bench. In '09, she had surgery related to pancreatic cancer and heard oral arguments a mere 12 days later.
2. 2004 through 2011, RBG was named one of Forbes Magazine's 100 Most Powerful Women.
2. In 2002, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
3. RBG was the first Supreme Court Justice to officiate at a same-sex marriage ceremony.
4. Despite being a firm liberal, she remained close friends with diseased Justice Scalia, who was conservative.
5. When Martin (Ruth's husband) was diagnosed with cancer, RBG attended class and took notes for both of them, typed her husband's papers to his dictation, and cared for their young daughter – all while making the Harvard Law Review.
6. RBG was the first woman to receive tenure at Columbia Law School.
7. She is the cofounder and director of The Women's Project of the ACLU.
Itching to learn more about RBG? You can read "Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg," written by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, a Tumblr-blog-tribute-turned-biography that describes who RBG is and highlights her accomplishments. This book is brilliant. Trust me, I've read it.
