“…with liberty and justice for all” is what is repeated on a daily basis in the classroom for American children. Yet, this promise is unfulfilled for women living in the United States.  Now more than ever, American women are having their rights revoked. The U.S. is failing to uphold its promise of equality for women.

For decades, women’s needs have been overlooked by a government that fails to address barriers that women face to achieve equality. The United Nations highlights the key factors that drive inequality including, “social norms, gaps between laws and implementation, traditional justice systems independent from the state.” These barriers continue to prevent women from achieving fair treatment in American society.

The workplace remains a primary site of inequality. The Economic Policy Institute finds that “Women are paid less than men as a result of occupational segregation, devaluation of women’s work, societal norms, and discrimination.” This wage gap hinders their ability to save for retirement, pay off student loans, and support a family. When women are economically sidelined, the entire national economy suffers.

Beyond the workplace, the struggle extends to political representation as well. While more women are holding office than in previous generations, they remain a minority in the halls of power where their liberties are decided. World Workers notes that, “Even women who have had some level of success entering the political arena have had to adhere to the rules and expectations of a male-dominated political system.” This lack of representation often leads to policies that overlook the specific needs of women, further reinforcing the cycle of discrimination. Addressing these issues requires a fundamental shift in how the law protects every individual, regardless of gender.

The “liberty and justice for all” mentioned in the Pledge of Allegiance must become a reality, not just a promise. To fix these gaps, we must support fair pay laws, protect women’s rights, and vote for leaders who represent everyone. We must build a society where a woman’s rights are a permanent part of our democracy, not a topic up for debate.