The glass ceiling and other inequities cannot be separated from women’s role as primary caregivers

March was Women’s History Month, and though the month is now over, it is essential that we continue to remember the women who were pivotal in Hawaii’s history, especially those who improved the lives of working families.

While most people are aware of Patsy Mink’s accomplishments, many are not as familiar with Harriet Bouslog, Hawaii’s first female labor and civil rights attorney, or ILWU social worker Ah Quon McElrath. Yet like Mink, the significance of their achievements extends far beyond the advances they made as women.

Furthermore, their stories demonstrate the far-reaching changes that one individual can achieve, regardless of social barriers or the eras in which they lived.

When we think of "history months," we often focus on "firsts." It was enormously significant that Patsy Mink was the first female of color to serve in either house of Congress. And as one of the principal authors of Title IX, she set the groundwork for significant advances for both women and minorities for generations.

Bouslog and McElrath also fought for working-class families, and both stood up for those who could not advocate for themselves. Not surprisingly, the words "intelligent," "courageous" and "compassionate" are often used in describing all three of these dynamic women.

Mink’s work to end admissions and financial-aid discrimination for women in higher education resulted in tripling their access to colleges and universities — and females now outnumber males in degree completion by four to three.

Unfortunately, this remarkable progress in women’s education has not been accompanied by an equivalent advancement in financial and professional rewards. Even in fields like law, where degree attainment has been equal for both genders for the last 20 years, female lawyers earn 87 percent of what their male counterparts make. In fact, since Mink first entered Congress 50 years ago, the average pay for women has increased only 17 points relative to men, from 60 percent of male salaries to the current 77 percent, with almost no change in the last 10 years.

The glass ceiling and other inequitable outcomes cannot be separated from women’s roles as primary caregivers. Studies show that mothers fare even worse in the work world than women without children. The maternity penalty is imposed in the form of little or no parental leave, inflexible work policies and a lack of access to reliable, affordable child care. The consequences of this work culture are lost promotions, career gaps, lower pay and a forced choice between family and income.

Meanwhile, business leaders and politicians increasingly express concerns about the availability of an educated workforce to support a dynamic economy. With women making up half the workforce and more than half of the college-educated adults in this country, female participation is crucial. Leaders clearly should be investing in this highly educated population by supporting their full involvement in the economy through policies that accommodate and strengthen families.

As we approach another Equal Pay Day and a congressional vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act on April 8, it is clear that we need leaders who recognize that strong families are essential to a successful economy — and we need them to fight for the women, parents and workers who will build that economy.

I know that trailblazers like Mink, Bouslog and McElrath came from diverse backgrounds — and that meaningful change can take on many guises, from direct actions that affect just one family at a time, to structural changes that impact generations.

There are many ways that we can build on their work, but without a doubt continuing their fight for justice and equity is the best way to honor and perpetuate their legacy.