A guardian of justice, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has served for over 25 years in the United States Supreme Court. She is the second female of only four women appointed in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 231-year history. Prior to being appointed, she served for 13 years as a judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Before her judicial service, Justice Ginsburg’s career significantly focused on advocating for the advancement of gender equality and women’s rights. A tenacious advocate, she won five out of six gender discrimination cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Her tenacity is also seen in her fight against cancer since 1999. She successfully fought her battle against cancer four times, whether it was colon, pancreatic, or lung cancer. In January 2020, Justice Ginsburg announced that she was cancer free.

 

So, when Justice Ginsburg was hospitalized on Monday, July 13, concern for her and women’s rights were at the forefront of my mind. In fact, my heart sank because if she is not on the U.S. Supreme Court, women’s rights are in peril. It appears I was not alone in this reaction. I have heard many friends and colleagues express relief that Justice Ginsburg was out of the hospital and doing well.

 

Justice Ginsburg embodies this year's theme of Service, Inclusion & Advocacy. Her tireless service and advocacy have created a more inclusive society for women, and we all can learn from her.