Moving Forward Together: A Personal Reflection on Women’s History and the Legacy of Progress
By Seleana Wright, Senior Director, APCO
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month,”Moving forward together,” resonates deeply with me. It serves as a reminder that progress isn’t just about individual victories, but collective strength. This message holds more meaning now than it did a year ago. Simply put, the journey toward equality and inclusion is not a solitary one. It’s about linking arms and moving forward together as a collective. Women’s History Month is a moment to honor the past, recognize the present, and ensure a more inclusive future for generations to come.
Reflecting on the contributions of the women in the suffrage movement, it becomes clear that intersectionality is key to understanding the complexity of women’s struggles. Women’s experiences are shaped by race, class, culture, and other aspects of identity. The struggle for equality is not a singular experience—it is nuanced and diverse.
Sojourner Truth’s iconic speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?”, challenged both race and gender norms in a society that sought to silence women—especially Black women. Her words still resonate today, demanding acknowledgment of the complexities of womanhood and the many layers of oppression.
I think often about my maternal grandmother, who passed away in her 20s while struggling to find independence and live out her highest values. These values included being a mother, a wife, and so much more—roles that many women, particularly in the 1950s, were expected to fulfill without the opportunity to pursue their own dreams. I am proud that, thanks to the collective sacrifices of women who came before me, I stand here today embodying the freedom my grandmother sought but never fully had. And, I do not take this for granted.
Moving forward together means understanding that our shared struggles for justice and equality require solidarity, respect, and commitment. It’s crucial to recognize that equality for one doesn’t necessarily mean equality for all. As we continue to seek gender equality, we must remember that such progress should benefit racial equality and the rights of other marginalized communities as well.
Women like Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, and my grandmother Estelle Edwards, understood that their fight was never just about one issue—it was about advocating for women to be recognized as fully realized individuals with the right to shape their own lives and communities. Their work set the foundation for women today to continue pushing boundaries, and their legacy inspires me every day to stand for change.
Today, Moving Forward Together is not just a call for reflection but for action. It’s about breaking barriers in corporate boardrooms, leading nations, and running micro-businesses in emerging markets. It’s about having individual autonomy in the full definition of the word. And, it’s about supporting women in doing so.
Progress has been made and we should celebrate the victories. From more women in executive roles to the increasing number of women entrepreneurs, we are seeing shifts that demonstrate the power of solidarity and collective action. Yet, the fight is far from over. The work that has been done must be protected and built upon. Moving forward together means ensuring that the next generation inherits a world where their voices, their rights, and their power are fully realized.
