Against the backdrop of Washington, D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms in bloom, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) hosted a weekend of events that captivated and inspired nearly 600 attendees. Culminating the celebration of Women’s History Month in late March, the events showcased the achievements of trailblazing women, launched groundbreaking initiatives, and sparked meaningful conversations about bridging gender inequities across society. From the powerful speeches at the Gala to the innovative research unveiled at the Leadership of Tomorrow event, this was a celebration of both the progress made and the work that lies ahead.
A Night to Celebrate and Inspire
The NWHM Gala served as a luminous celebration of women’s contributions throughout history and a platform for addressing the glaring underrepresentation of women in historical narratives. Hosted by Norah O’Donnell, the evening featured a stellar lineup of speakers and performers, including honorary chair Meryl Streep (via video), Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, and Dr. Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”
Performances by the cast of Suffs and musicians Sara Niemietz and Norelle Simpson brought artistry and emotional resonance to the night. The evening also marked the formal launch of the NWHM’s She Is Not a Footnote* campaign, an ambitious initiative designed to amplify women’s stories and redefine historical education to reflect their vital roles in shaping the world.
Frédérique Irwin, President and CEO of the NWHM, addressed the audience with a stirring call to action. She stated that the stories we tell about our past shape the possibilities of our future. She Is Not a Footnote is more than a campaign; it’s a movement to ensure women’s voices and achievements are not just remembered but celebrated.
Dr. Nancy, a member of the NWHM Board of Directors and co-chair of the event, reinforced the urgency of this mission, saying, “Women can’t be what they can’t see, hear, or read about. It’s up to us to preserve the stories of the women whose shoulders we stand on so the next generation of leaders can stand even taller.”
The highlight of the evening came when 98-year-old Dr. Opal Lee took the stage to accept the Women Making History Award. Reflecting on her instrumental role in making Juneteenth a federal holiday, she reminded the audience that the fight for justice and equality is far from over. “It’s not a ‘me’ thing; it’s a ‘we’ thing,” she declared. “Now, we must make freedom a reality. This includes ensuring that women and girls understand their power and know they are not invisible and are part of the answer to getting the country out of the quagmire that it’s in.”
The Leadership of Tomorrow Event
The celebration continued the following day with the Leadership of Tomorrow event, hosted by U.S. News. It convened several changemakers to discuss the state of gender equity in business, sports, and other key societal sectors. The event provided a platform for candid dialogue and practical solutions, including the unveiling of the groundbreaking Young Women and Girl’s Aspiration Report. This new study, spearheaded by the NWHM, surveyed over 1,100 young women aged 13 to 27 to capture their perceptions, ambitions, frustrations and hopes in a society still marked by gender inequality.
The findings revealed both challenges and opportunities. Glaring gaps in leadership and representation persist, particularly in male-dominated industries. Yet the survey also highlighted the resilience and determination of young women as they fight for a more equitable future.
Frédérique shared during the event that when young women feel empowered to dream big and see their aspirations reflected back in society, the impossible becomes achievable. This Report is not just data; it’s an invitation to drive action and change.
One of the key themes explored was the rapid evolution of women’s sports. While elite women’s sports are projected to generate over $1.2 billion in revenue by 2024, panelists at the event pointed out persistent inequalities in pay and leadership roles. A shared sentiment was that representation matters at every level, from the boardroom to the playing field. Acknowledging these gaps is the first step in closing them.
The event also featured a powerful discussion with DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething.org. Advocating for the dismantling of systemic barriers, she emphasized that empowering young women isn’t just about equipping them with tools; it’s about creating an environment where they believe their tools can actually make a difference.
Amplifying the Call for Change
At its core, the Gala and Leadership of Tomorrow event served as a unified call for action. From historical representation to systemic equity, the issues raised reflected the urgent need for collective advocacy and sustained effort. Whether through the She Is Not a Footnote campaign, the innovative insights of the Young Women’s Aspiration Report, or the ongoing work of changemakers like Dr. Opal Lee and DeNora Getachew, the weekend left its attendees not just inspired but mobilized.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, as Dr. Opal Lee reminded the audience. “It’s not going to happen in a day; we are going to have to work at it. So, I’m going to keep on talking and keep on walking while people are still listening.” Her words echoed the sentiment on everyone’s minds throughout the weekend, a reminder that creating a more equitable future is both a personal and collective responsibility.
Your Role in Building This Future
While the NHWM events were a beacon of hope, progress requires ongoing action from all of us. Here’s how you can help:
- Support the Movement: Donate to the She Is Not a Footnote campaign to fund educational resources and exhibits that celebrate women in history. Your support ensures their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
- Share the Stories: Amplify the research and narratives shared at these events. Post about the Young Women’s Aspiration Index, introduce your community to Dr. Opal Lee’s story, or start a conversation about the importance of representation.
- Engage Locally: Volunteer with organizations in your community that promote gender equity in education, sports, or leadership.
- Champion Change in Your Sphere: Whether in the boardroom or the classroom, challenge inequities, mentor young women, and advocate for policies that enhance gender parity.
The strides made at these events are just the beginning. With collective effort, we can build a world where young women don’t just aspire but achieve and where trailblazing women are no longer footnotes in history but celebrated as the changemakers they’ve always been. The future depends on all of us. What step will you take today?