America’s second first lady pioneered women’s rights

One of U.S. history’s most famous wives was more than just a First Lady: Abigail Adams was an independent, political, pioneering feminist who refused to allow people to stick her in a gender role.

Born in 1744, she married John Adams in 1764. A member of one of the country’s first political dynasties, she is the mother of President John Quincy Adams. John and Abigail’s letters during the Continental Congress famously document their discussions of government and politics.

Adams was so involved in her husband’s political affairs that opponents dubbed her “Mrs. President.” Critics were taken aback by the fact that Adams was so ahead of her time — most women were not involved in politics during her life. Adams’ participation in government and politics helped pave the way for women in positions of leadership.

Her involvement in her husband’s affairs should encourage women today to be passionate for what they care about and, equally importantly, push more men to involve women in government and business, areas where they see vast underrepresentation.

Perhaps the most well-known of Adams’ letters to her husband was her 1776 request to “remember the ladies” when writing the Constitution. Her request created a base for American activism for gender equality.

When John Adams, then a congressman, worked on documents that would set into place hundreds of years worth of American rights, she asked him to “not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands.”

She recognized the need for men to not keep all the power and to involve women in politics, business and decision-making. As men continue to make up such a high percentage of CEOs — only 5 percent of Fortune 500 companies are headed by women, according to the Washington Post — and business leaders, people should keep in mind the importance of women in the workplace and politics.

Outside of the political world, Abigail Adams was an independent and outspoken woman, which took courage and strength in an era even more male-dominated than today. She ran her family farm, homeschooled her children and managed her family’s finances. In a war-ridden period, she supported the military by inviting soldiers for meals in her Massachusetts home.

Abigail Adams was a female political enthusiast before it was cool. She regularly wrote John with political advice, often including her feminist message.

A feminist pioneer whose message far outlived her, Adams took her beliefs to the grave. Prior to her death, she wrote a will, which gave most of her assets to other women, despite all of her possessions technically belonging to her husband.

Abigail Adams was not just the President’s wife. She was strong, engaged and determined to create equality for American women.

A pre-1800 feminist’s actions teach everyone lessons about how to effectively advocate for women’s equality in 2016. Abigail Adams showed determination, fearlessness and a drive to work for what was right. She helps Americans today realize that trailblazers, not only followers, are key to progress and change.