Ruth Bader Ginsburg, fighter for gender equality, died at age 87 on September 18, 2020. The Supreme Court announced her death later that day, citing complications from metastatic cancer of the pancreas. She died in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her friends and family. Ginsburg was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until the day she died.

What did Ginsburg do to have such an impact on the world? In the past, women couldn’t do several things, such as apply for mortgages and credit cards without a male’s consent and signature. Without Ginsburg, and her burning passion for egalitarianism, these things could still be happening today.

Chief Justice John Roberts said “Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature.” He remarked, “We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her, a tireless and resolute champion of justice.” 

Not only did RGB (as she is colloquially known) fight for women’s equal rights, but also for men’s rights. Before 1975, a woman inherited her husband’s estate if her husband died, while a man did not receive his wife’s estate if she died. The Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld case changed that common credence, allowing men to receive survivors benefits, in part due to Ginsburg’s service on the Supreme Court. 

These are just some of the many changes Ruth Bader Ginsburg made to our country. Her death is a huge loss to our country, as well as the world. She has inspired so many people and her legacy will continue to inspire more.