per·sist·ence (pərˈsistəns/)
(noun) firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED: These words resonate this month as the Women’s History Month mantra and a rally cry for women everywhere. Fighting for what we believe in is what changes the world. “…women everywhere who are breaking down barriers, raising their voices, and fighting for what they believe in…together, we can make change,” – Elizabeth Warren.
We can’t give up the fight because it is difficult. We must persist. Change is needed, and it is happening. It’s been almost 100 years since Congress passed the 19th amendment guaranteeing American women the right to vote. The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)–previous to 1890 known as two separate organizations: the National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association–started working toward this goal in the early 1870’s. It only took 50 years.
This one example proves the importance of persistence. The wage gap between men and women is one of the largest gender issues as of late.
“I don’t think this change will come by merely shouting at Congress or the people in hiring positions. I think, foremost, that we as women need to believe in ourselves and our abilities. We need to stand up for what we believe we are worth. If we don’t believe it and ask for it, why would anyone else?”
– Jess Genung, CEO | Creative Director for Be The Focus Branding Agency, LLC