One hundred years ago, women didn’t have the right to vote. Sixty years ago, women were expected to tend to the household and cater to their families. But in the year 2021, women are breaking into new, male-dominated workplaces and creating many firsts.
Male-dominated workforces usually contain either 25% of women or less, but in 2018, only 7.2% of American women worked in male-dominated workforces. Despite this small number, these women are making bold strides in changing our workforce.
Katie Sowers, a former coach for the San Francisco 49ers, was the first female and openly LGBTQ+ coach to make it to the Super Bowl. Sowers was an offensive assistant for the 49ers, and had the seal of approval from many of her players, including 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, who described her as “tremendous.” Sowers’ long term goal for her future is to create more inclusivity in the NFL, feeling that they can create an environment where everyone is comfortable.
Making huge strides doesn’t just stop at the NFL, however. In San Diego, female marines are preparing to train with male marines for the first time in the history of the training facility. Women were trained in South Carolina prior, the group of the integrated trainees is named the “Lima Company”. Over the past year, there have been a total of 9 integrated training groups. Based upon how things are looking, gender-based training will end within the next decade.
Arguably one of the most important positions in the country now has a woman sitting in its office. Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President on January 20th, 2021. Harris, who is the forty-ninth vice president in our country’s history, follows a long line of men who have done the job. She is also the first person of color to hold the office. Prior, she was the Attorney General of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and a senator.
In the past, women have been stereotyped as being weak and unable to lead. These women in high places happen to say otherwise, showing that being a girl shouldn’t change your goals and aspirations, even if it’s a workforce of mainly men. There are so many women out there breaking boundaries, the possibilities to make history are endless.