The Art of the Ask Part 2
Women’s History month started in March. Women's History Month is a celebration to recognize and honor the significant contributions women have made throughout history and continue to make today.
In Part 2 of “The Ark of the Ask”, I’ve like to reflect on Eleanor Roosevelt, who was the longest serving First Lady of the United State. She was a humanitarian, and advocate for women’s right and social justice and her life and work continue to serve as a beacon of empowerment. Her story is an enduring example of the power of asking for change—and how one woman’s voice can transform the world.
Eleanor Roosevelt is perhaps best known for her advocacy on behalf of the oppressed, marginalized, and underserved. She once famously said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Roosevelt believed that the work of creating a just and equitable world was not only possible but essential. Her boldness in asking for social justice—both domestically and internationally—sets the stage for many of the freedoms we now take for granted, especially for women.
In this blog, we explore the impact of Eleanor Roosevelt’s leadership and how her ability to ask for a better world continues to inspire women today.
As a Champion for Human Rights, First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was not content with the ceremonial duties typically assigned to the role. She believed that the position allowed her a unique platform to challenge societal injustices. Among her many initiatives, Roosevelt’s most significant was her work with the United Nations in the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. She led the drafting of the Declaration, advocating for the rights of all human beings, regardless of nationality, gender, or race.
Roosevelt understood that the world could not progress until basic human rights were acknowledged and protected for everyone. Her tireless work for universal freedoms reflects the kind of leadership that asks not just for the status quo but demands change—sometimes against overwhelming opposition. Roosevelt’s work reminds us that we must always ask for what is right, even if it feels unattainable at the time.
In addition, her role as an advocate for Women’s right, First Lady Eleanor advocated for women’s rights was groundbreaking. During her tenure as First Lady, she not only championed the cause of equal rights for women but also set a precedent for women’s involvement in leadership and politics. Roosevelt famously stated, “A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” She believed in the strength of women, and she demonstrated that belief through action.
She advocated for women’s suffrage, improved working conditions for women, and more educational opportunities for young girls. In addition, Roosevelt helped women gain political visibility and the opportunity to play an active role in public life. By asking for a more inclusive, just world, she showed that leadership is not confined to a select few—it’s something that can and should be available to all, regardless of gender.
Roosevelt also knew that achieving equality required women to empower themselves and others. She famously worked to establish a network of women in leadership roles, both in the U.S. and abroad. This legacy continues today as women seek greater representation in all sectors of society. Her work serves as a reminder that women’s voices, when united and amplified, can spark meaningful change.
Passion about social justice and civil rights first Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy for women’s rights is well known. She sought to address other significant issues, such as racism and poverty. As an ally to the African American civil rights movement, Roosevelt spoke out publicly against racial segregation and discrimination. She used her position to challenge discriminatory policies and advocate for fair treatment of all people, regardless of race.
Perhaps one of the most notable moments in her career occurred in 1939 when she resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) after they refused to allow the African American singer Marian Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall. Roosevelt’s decision to publicly resign from the DAR and host Anderson’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial was a bold stand for racial equality. It sent a clear message of: disputing the status quo, challenging the system and asking for justice was not only necessary but also transformative.
Roosevelt's stance on civil rights shows that asking for equality means questioning longstanding structures of power. She understood that meaningful progress required confronting uncomfortable truths and dismantling systems of injustice. Her leadership offers a blueprint for how we, as women, can push forward the causes of racial and social justice today.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and legacy prove that asking for a better world can have profound, lasting impacts. She used her position, privilege, and voice to fight for justice, equality, and the rights of the oppressed. Her leadership was grounded in the belief that change is possible, but only when we ask for it—and when we’re willing to do the work required to achieve it.
In many ways, Eleanor Roosevelt paved the way for the women who followed her. She proved that the act of asking for change can lead to incredible accomplishments, even in the face of adversity. Her example challenges us to think about the ways we can use our voices to advocate for justice in our own time—whether it’s fighting for gender equality, racial justice, or human rights.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us remember that women like Eleanor Roosevelt didn’t just sit back and wait for change to happen, she acted. She fought for the world she wanted to see. And, in doing so, she changed the world forever.
