Shattering the Glass Ceiling

MARILYN LODEN, 1970S. IMAGE FROM WASHINGTON POST

By Sherri Goudy

It has been over 40 years since Marilyn Loden coined the term “glass ceiling.” This term, for many women, is just as relevant today as it was when it was first spoken on May 24th, 1978. Check out this article about Marilyn Loden in the Washington Post.

 This “intangible barrier” continues to be a force holding women back from advancement - from obtaining upper-level positions in the workforce, and even from becoming President of the United States. Hillary Clinton pointed out in 2016, “we still have not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will.”

 The hope for this achievement is alive in the US, and we are edging ever closer to the 2020 Presidential Election, in which several women are running for the office. 2020 is also the centennial of suffrage, the first glass ceiling women in this nation faced.

 Though there are still barriers to break and equal rights are far from a reality, a reminder of just how far we have come in 100 years is necessary.  As the article points out, Marilyn had a fear the term “glass ceiling” would outlive her. It’s true the term still has validity, but the past few years have shown a shift in thinking when it comes to women.  The emergence of more women in political office, the Women’s March, and the popularity of female heroes in film and TV all point to a shift from limitations women face towards possibilities.   

WOMEN’S MARCH, WASHINGTON D.C., 1970. IMAGE FROM LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

 To help children understand the local impact of the advancement of women, Children’s Historical Publishing (CHPS) is now selling Empowered Women: History of Dayton Women and the Dayton Woman’s Club. At CHPS, our mission centers around helping children “look up” and see the possibilities. Though there may still be a glass ceiling when they do, we want them to see their power to shatter that barrier and become whatever they want to be.  Please check out our website for more information at https://www.chpsbooks.org/shop/. 

WOMEN’S MARCH, WASHINGTON D.C., 2017. IMAGE FROM WIKIPEDIA.