Upon being admitted to Harvard Law, the dean reportedly asked her, “Why are you at Harvard Law School, taking the place of a man?” I’m not sure what Ruth answered but she didn’t let it phase her.  She went on to become a Supreme Court Justice.  “If you want to be a true professional, do something outside yourself.”  – Ruth

Many events occurred throughout Ginsberg’s life that influenced her thoughts on gender equality.  Ginsberg’s mother encouraged Ruth’s education, often escorting her to the library and pushing her toward furthering her education.  Ruth’s mother was not allowed to continue her own education for her parents decided to send her brother to college instead.

Additionally, as a youth, Ruth was not allowed to have a bat mitzvah ceremony because Orthodox restrictions prevented women from reading from the Torah.  Not being allowed to read from the Torah and thereby being denied a bat mitzvah due to her gender angered Ruth.

Ruth’s desire to advocate for gender equality gained momentum in law school.  During the early 1960s, Ginsberg worked with the Columbia Law School Project on International Procedure.  She also co-authored a book with Swedish jurist, Anders Bruzelius.  Both of these projects further influenced Ginsberg’s thoughts on gender equality and career path.

Upon graduating from law school, Ginsberg spent much of her legal career as an advocate for equality.  She was incredibly successful, winning many arguments before the Supreme Court.  She was also a volunteer attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union.

In 1980, President Carter appointed Ginsberg to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.  Then in 1993, she was appointed to the US Supreme Court, making her the second woman in history to be appointed to the US Supreme Court.

Ginsberg even remained a Supreme Court Justice through two bouts of cancer.  Ginsberg  didn’t give up.