Posted by guest blogger Elizabeth King Humphrey.

My mother was born and bred in North Carolina, however, in the 1950s, she left the state for New York City and a job. Knowing what I do now about history, I am sure that, at the time, her decision didn't necessarily sit well with her family.

My mom, strong in math, felt strongly enough to follow through with a desire for a job at IBM. At the time, she also probably knew of a few women from Lumberton who had gone before, blazing a trail before her.

For Christmas, my mother sent me a copy of "When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present" by Gail Collins.

Admittedly, I have yet to read the entire 405 pages and would like to (maybe before the end of this month's celebration of women's history?). I am looking forward to reading it because I know there is a lot I want to learn about the women who have blazed trails before us.

As much as I have witnessed women's progress in my lifetime, I know that we have much more distance to travel. I recall Patricia Schroeder's run for president, Geraldine Ferraro's addition to the Democratic presidential ticket, Hillary Clinton's 2008 historical presidential campaign, and the election of North Carolina's first female governor, to name just a few political events that have continued to chip away at that glass ceiling. But there are so many more women and events that have helped us all develop and grow and learn.

Even more importantly than me reading the book, I look forward to encouraging my son and daughters to read it.

After all, the 20th century saw monumental strides in American women's rights. So much so that my kids will scarcely believe it when they have children of their own.

So, what do you think? How do you think women 20, 30 or even 50 years will look back at this time? What events have been important in your life that show the progress women have made--and continue to make?

Elizabeth King Humphrey lives and writes from Wilmington.