1960: The Food and Drug Administration announces its approval of the first birth control drug.
In 1960, the FDA approved a birth control pill, allowing women an easier way of taking control of their sexual lives and reproductive systems. This is an important first because it allowed women to be in control of their own bodies and decide for themselves if they wanted to reproduce.
1964: Margaret Chase Smith of Maine becomes the first woman nominated for president of the United States by a major political party, at the Republican National Convention.
In 1964, Margaret Chase Smith was nominated to be the Republican candidate for president. Although she was not elected, she is still important because it was the first time a woman was even thought of as a candidate for the important and prestigious job of the President of the United States. It sent a message to the United States that women could be involved in politics.
1972: Juanita Kreps becomes the first woman director of the New York Stock Exchange. She later becomes the first woman appointed Secretary of Commerce.
I think that a woman becoming director of the NY Stock Exchange is an important first because it showed that women were getting involved in money and finance, which had previously been mainly a man's activity and job. Women were taking control of important aspects of their own lives, and Juanita Kreps took charge in an even more public way as director of the NY Stock Exchange.
1981: Sandra Day O'Connor is appointed to the United States Supreme Court, making her its first woman justice.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court. This is an important first for women in the US because Supreme Court justices hold a lot of power and are trusted in making many important decisions that have the ability to effect the entire country. Having a woman in the Supreme Court was important because it meant that women had a voice in the judicial system.
1983: Dr. Sally K. Ride becomes the first American woman to be sent into space.
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to orbit the Earth aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. This is an important first for women because it showed young girls more of the possibilities for their lives when they grew up. Women could be involved in science and have exciting jobs like being an astronaut.
1987: Jackie Joyner-Kersee is the first woman athlete on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.
Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee was the first women to make the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine since its founding in 1964. She was recognized for her track and field abilities. I think this is an important first because sports was mainly a men's activity that not many women would go into for a career and be successful as easily.
1990: Dr. Antonia Novello is sworn in as U.S. Surgeon General, becoming the first woman (and first Hispanic) to hold that job.
Dr. Antonia Novello was appointed Surgeon General by President Bush. She was in the position from 1990-1993. While in the position, she focused her attention on the health of women, children and minorities, underage drinking, smoking, and aids. I think this is an important first because she proved that women can succeed in such high positions that were normally given to men.
1997: Madeleine Albright becomes the first female Secretary of State.
In 1997, Madeleine Albright was sworn in as the first woman to become Secretary of State. The position made her the highest-ranking women in the federal government's history. This is an important first because as part of Bill Clinton's presidential cabinet, she was involved in many decisions that affected the country.
2007: Harvard University names Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust its first women president in the school's 371-year history.
In 2007, Dr. Drew Faust became the first woman president of Harvard University. This is an important first because Harvard is known as one of the most prestigious schools in the United States, and to have a female president is very exciting and it showed how far women have come, from women struggling to gain acceptance into any college or university, to a woman becoming president of the most prestigious University in the country.
2010: Kathryn Bigelow becomes the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Director.
In 2010, American film director became the first female director to win an Oscar for Best Director for her 2008 film "The Hurt Locker". This is a important first because there are not nearly as many successful women directors as there are men. It surprised me that in the Academy Award's 82-year history, this was the first time a woman has won the award.