While the name Lilly Ledbetter rings loud and clear for some of us, the unfortunate truth is that many people are unfamiliar with not only her name, but with her fight.

Ledbetter is tangible truth that feminism is still alive and kicking. While gaps in privileges and outcomes between genders in political and economic fields are shrinking, they are far from disappearing.

“The fight for gender equality still continues today. In some ways it has been re-energized by the publicity surrounding the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Once again, the media has started to pay attention to the inequalities in pay and representation in the workplace,” said Beth Slutsky, professor of women’s history.

Ledbetter, who served 19 years as an area manager for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Mobile, Ala., discovered that she was being paid less than her male colleagues. However, because the law required claims to be filed within 180 days of an unfair paycheck, Ledbetter could not file a lawsuit.

President Barack Obama has signed a measure that amends previous laws and allows for a broader legal fight against gender discrimination in the workplace.

“It is fitting that with the very first bill I sign – the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act – that it is upholding one of this nation’s first principles: that we are all created equal, and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness,” Obama said during the bill signing ceremony.

This bill allows more opportunities for women to take legal action against discrimination. With this new act, the 180-day limit restarts with every discriminatory paycheck.

While passing this measure is a huge step for gender equality, it’s not the entire solution.

“Unfortunately, I do not think that the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will make men and women equal in the workplace, but it is an excellent point of departure to help women have legal ground to sue their employers for equal pay,” Slutsky said.

It is discouraging that women are still facing such discrimination. What is even more discouraging is how many people – both male and female – are unaware of such issues.

For those who believe the fight has changed, they are right. For those who believe the fight is over, they are most certainly wrong.

“An average woman loses $434,000 over a 40-year career due to the wage gap. Correcting this problem is critical to both economic and family security,” said Ann M. O’Leary, executive director of the Berkeley Center on Health, Economic & Family Security at UC Berkeley School of Law and a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress, in a Feb. 4 San Francisco Chronicle article.

Feminism has gone through several different cycles and has developed into many different fights. Whether it is the right to vote or the right to have fair pay, the core remains the same: equality.

If it weren’t for feminism and the fight for gender equality, we wouldn’t have progressed even this far. However, the struggle is still very relevant.

This act should bring media attention to the reality of gender inequalities. This act will not solve everything, but it is a stronger ground for further progress.

The Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is just the beginning of our journey toward total equality. Obama has made a strong statement by making this his first bill signed as president, but even he has acknowledged that this is just the beginning.

We, like Ledbetter, must stay strong and continue to fight for true equality. While the times show there is less discrimination than in the past, it is our duty to ensure the rights of our future generations.

Leidhra Johnson can be reached at [email protected]