Susan B. Anthony's Legacy and How It Has Impacted Women in Business Today

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we will continue to recognize women’s rights activist, Susan B. Anthony, and her significance towards women in business today. Women’s History Month holds the power to highlight the contributions women have had to society throughout history. In March, we bring these historical events to light and appreciate the woman who started it all, Susan B. Anthony.

Susan B. Anthony was born on February 15th, 1820 in Adams, Massachusetts. She was inspired by the Quaker belief that everyone was equal under God and was thoroughly determined to end slavery. In 1848, in Seneca Falls, New York, the first Women’s Rights Convention was held which then led to the Suffrage Movement. The Suffrage Movement was a decades-long fight against the right to allow women to vote in the United States.

In 1851, Susan B. Anthony met Elizabeth Cady Stanton. These women worked together for over 50 years fighting for women’s rights. Anthony and Stanton founded the National Women Suffrage Movement in 1869 where Anthony was later made president. They gave speeches demanding the right to let women vote to want to improve lives. Susan B. Anthony dedicated her whole life to fighting for women’s rights, she helped pave the way. Soon before the passing of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote, Susan B Anthony passed away in 1906.

The legacy of Susan B. Anthony continues to live on today, especially in the business world. Her efforts and contributions to society are inspiring to businesswomen today. This month we will show our respect toward Susan B. Anthony because of how she changed our lives forever.

Her successes are showcased in the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, New York. Susan B. Anthony’s house she grew up in inspires women in many ways. An Adult & Professional Development Program is available at the museum. This workshop explores the history of women’s rights, stereotyping, and strategies to recognize and change discriminatory behavior. You also learn about the challenges Susan B. Anthony faced as a women leader in the 1800s. This is a fascinating experience all women should consider visiting to be inspired for each and every one of their journeys.

Women in the Workforce

The Equal Rights Amendment was passed in March of 1972 to provide legal equality of the sexes and prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. This Amendment is a crucial contributing factor for women in the workforce and even beyond. 

Susan B. Anthony’s speeches empowered female voices. Because many more women voiced their opinions and spoke on their behalf, it increased the value of women's ideas. Women began to be listened to and respected more. They also started getting better job opportunities and having more control over decisions. Women put significant time and energy into working towards bettering the companies they are a part of.

Along with the speeches Susan B. Anthony inspired women with, the achievement of voting rights for women has opened many doors for women in office. Because of this remarkable accomplishment, women have become inspired to run for leadership positions in the workplace, in government, and in every other aspect of society. The current Vice President, Kamala Harris, and Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, are the first females elected in history for both positions. These leaders serve as role models for many women who hope to achieve something as extraordinary as making history and leaving their mark on the world.

Tons of other over-achieving women are making their names known and striving to become role models for others, just like Kamala Harris and Kathy Hochul. Women are essential for businesses. They input their own perspective and talents into the workforce while having amazing leadership skills. Women never quit, they stand up for their views, and they won't go down without a fight.

Women are contributing to the business world more than ever before. There is still room for growth and expansion, but at this rate, there will be more and more empowering women voicing their opinions to the world. Thanks to the contributions of Susan B. Anthony and the continuation of her astonishing legacy, it can be said that the future is female.