Remembering the Moments that Mattered

The fight for women’s political and social equality made strong gains in 2012, but the battle is still far from over. Through the highs and lows, the ups and downs, we continue to strive for women’s rights in a variety of ways. Below, we look back on some of the most empowering moments for women throughout the year as we fix our eyes on future change. 

Switching it up. In August, three high school girls from New Jersey launched a petition at Change.org urging the Commission on Political Debates to appoint a female presidential debate moderator for the first time in 20 years. The girls gathered over 120,000 signatures in support of their cause, and on August 13 it was announced that CNN’s Candy Crowley would moderate the October 16 debate. 

Going for gold. All eyes were on the world’s top athletes at the 2012 Olympics in London, England this past summer. The United States walked away victorious with 46 gold medals and 104 medals overall, but it was the women who stole the show. Not only did US female athletes outnumber their male counterparts for the first time – 269 to 261 – but they won 66 percent of Team USA’s gold medals. Among them were favorites Gabby Douglas, Missy Franklin, and Kayla Harrison. 

Fighting for equality. Female soldiers made gains this year when the Pentagon opened 14,000 combat-related jobs that previously excluded women. The Marines also allowed women to participate in the Infantry Officer Course for the first time this fall. Unfortunately, women are still barred from direct combat, which prevents most women from gaining the proper experience to move up the military ranks. 

Winning votes. The 2012 election was one to remember, as 20 women will hold Senate seats in 2013, the first openly gay candidate was elected to Congress, and New Hampshire will host the first all-female congressional delegation. But there was great news on the other side of the polls, too – 60 percent of registered female voters cast a ballot in the 12 key states, versus only 39 percent of registered male voters. 

How else did women make an impact in 2012? Be sure to read which female leaders left a mark this year, and how one woman is still campaigning for gender equality at the Olympic Games. 

—Lindsay Putnam