25 Accomplishments and Milestones for Women in the United States

Women’s history is filled with stories of resilience, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. From the fight for equal rights to the rise of women in leadership positions, women have consistently made strides toward a more equitable workforce. Here are 25 key facts about women’s history in the U.S. workforce that celebrate their impact and highlight ongoing challenges and progress:

First Female Workers in the U.S.
In the 19th century, women began to enter the workforce in greater numbers, especially in textile mills and factories during the Industrial Revolution. These early workers played a pivotal role in shaping the labor force, often enduring poor working conditions.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963
The Equal Pay Act, signed by President John F. Kennedy, aimed to eliminate wage disparities based on gender. Though it was a significant step forward, the gender pay gap persists today, with women earning about 83 cents for every dollar earned by men in the same roles (as of 2023).

The First Woman in Congress
Jeannette Rankin made history in 1916 as the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Rankin, a Republican from Montana, was an advocate for women’s suffrage and pacifism, setting the stage for women in politics.

Women’s Suffrage
The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote. This historic victory was the result of decades of activism by leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Women in the Workforce During WWII
With millions of men deployed in World War II, women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. Iconic images like “Rosie the Riveter” symbolized women working in factories and other industries, taking on roles traditionally held by men.

The Glass Ceiling
Despite progress, many women still face a “glass ceiling”—an invisible barrier that prevents them from reaching top leadership positions. This issue remains central in the conversation about gender inequality in professional environments.

The First Female CEO of a Fortune 500 Company
In 1972, Katharine Graham became the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company when she took the helm of The Washington Post. Her leadership during the Pentagon Papers and Watergate scandal made her a trailblazer for women in business.

The Women’s Liberation Movement
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Women’s Liberation Movement pushed for gender equality across all sectors of life, including the workplace. This movement led to better policies, reproductive rights, and a broader recognition of women’s rights.

Title IX
Enacted in 1972, Title IX prohibited sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities that received federal funding. This law opened doors for women in higher education and athletics, directly influencing their participation in the workforce.

The First Female Supreme Court Justice
Sandra Day O’Connor made history in 1981 as the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her appointment was a monumental step in the advancement of women in the legal field and the judiciary.

The Paycheck Fairness Act
Introduced in 1997, the Paycheck Fairness Act seeks to close the gender wage gap by addressing pay discrimination and increasing salary transparency. While it has not passed, it remains a central piece of legislation aimed at improving wage equality.

Women in STEM
Women have made significant strides in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, they are still underrepresented in these fields, especially in leadership roles. Organizations like Women in STEM and Girls Who Code work to encourage and support female students and professionals in these areas.

The #MeToo Movement
Founded by activist Tarana Burke in 2006 and popularized in 2017, the #MeToo movement raised awareness of sexual harassment and assault. It has sparked global conversations about gender inequality and workplace abuse, empowering women to share their stories and demand change.

Women in Leadership
Women are steadily climbing the ranks in leadership positions. In 2020, women held about 28% of senior leadership roles in the U.S. businesses. The push for greater representation in executive and board positions continues to be a priority.

The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs
Women are starting businesses at an increasing rate. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), nearly 13 million women-owned businesses exist in the U.S., driving economic growth and creating jobs for others.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, was instrumental in breaking down barriers for women in the workplace. Title VII of this act specifically outlawed employment discrimination based on gender, laying the foundation for further advancements.

First Female Pilot to Fly Across the Atlantic
Amelia Earhart made history in 1932 when she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart’s accomplishments as an aviator shattered stereotypes about women’s capabilities and inspired generations of women in aviation and other male-dominated fields.

The First Woman to Run for President
Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for President of the United States in 1872. While she didn’t win, her candidacy paved the way for future female presidential candidates and brought attention to women’s political involvement.

Women’s Representation in the Labor Force
As of 2020, women made up about 47% of the U.S. labor force. While this number is significant, women continue to be underrepresented in certain industries and leadership roles, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and action toward workplace equality.

The Feminine Mystique
Betty Friedan’s 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique, sparked the second-wave feminist movement in the U.S. The book critiqued the post-World War II ideal that women should find fulfillment in domesticity alone and encouraged women to pursue careers and education outside the home.

First Female U.S. Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright made history in 1997 as the first woman to serve as the U.S. Secretary of State. Her tenure was marked by diplomatic successes and set a powerful example for women in political leadership positions.

Women in Professional Sports
Although historically marginalized, women in professional sports have made significant advances. The U.S. women’s national soccer team, for example, has been a leader in advocating for equal pay, winning multiple World Cup titles and challenging the disparities in men’s and women’s sports compensation.

Women and the Gig Economy
Women are increasingly joining the gig economy, starting businesses, freelancing, or participating in flexible work arrangements. This has enabled women to break free from traditional work constraints, offering more work-life balance and autonomy.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Passed in 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provided women (and men) with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family and medical reasons without the risk of losing their job. It was a vital step toward supporting workers, especially women, in balancing family and work responsibilities.

Women in the Military
Women have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War, but they were officially allowed to serve in combat roles in 2013. The military has become an increasingly important career path for women, with female representation in leadership roles growing steadily.

Women’s history in the U.S. workforce is a powerful testament to resilience and progress. From fighting for equal rights to achieving groundbreaking leadership roles, women have paved the way for future generations to thrive. While there is still work to be done to achieve full equality in the workplace, the progress made over the last century provides hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. These 25 facts remind us of the importance of recognizing women’s contributions and continuing to support their advancement in all areas of society.