Editorial: The value of a woman on the $20 bill

Take a look inside your wallet. You’ll notice one thing missing — the likeness of a woman on your dollar bills.

It’s time for that to change. An online campaign is underway to replace President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with a woman who helped shaped the history of our nation. Womenon20s.org notes that its mission is to “compel historic change by convincing President Obama that NOW is the time to put a woman’s face on our paper currency.” The campaign’s website lists 15 candidates, and visitors can vote for their choice. Potential replacements for Jackson include Sojourner Truth, Rachel Carson, Rosa Parks, Clara Barton, Frances Perkins and Susan B. Anthony. 

If we can place a woman on the $20 by 2020, the centennial of the 19th Amendment that gave women the federal right to vote, we can take another important step toward achieving gender equality. Compared to many other developed countries, such a move is long overdue. Elizabeth Fry, a late 18th and early 19th century British prison and social reformer, has been pictured on the British five pound sterling since 2002, while Queen Elizabeth II has graced the $20 Canadian bank note since 1954. 

By printing more images of women on our currency, we can promote the integration of women not only into our history but also into our everyday commerce. Every time a young girl sees a female hero from history on the $20 bill, she will be reminded of the positive impact she can have on her country. Just as important, all of us as American citizens will be tangibly reminded of the great impact women have had on our nation’s history.

It’s time to cash in our democratic rights and urge the Obama administration to finally put a woman on our paper currency. It’s common cents.