Remembering the Ladies: Taking a Look at Some of Virginia's Most Notable Female Leaders as Virginia Fights for Recognition of the Equal Rights Amendment

In January 2020, Virginia ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, fulfilling the constitutional ratification requirements and thus enshrining it as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This article seeks to highlight and explore the lives and contributions of some of the Virginia women who paved the way for this monumental achievement and shaped our nation and our Commonwealth. From Pocahontas to Barbara Johns and the women of the Virginia Military Institute, the history of Virginia women has been one of grit and determination even in the face of subjugation and exploitation. This article seeks to amplify their voices and their stories for the debt of gratitude we owe these women – and all Virginia women – who have fought to advance the ideals of equality.