Have you ever paused to wonder how history chooses its heroes? Margaret Heckler—a woman who broke barriers as a Congresswoman, Cabinet Secretary, and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland—should be a household name. Yet, for most of us, she isn’t. Why?
On my YourRadicalTruth.com podcast, my guest Kimberly Heckler took us into the life of Margaret Heckler, truly “A
Woman of Firsts.” Margaret’s daughter-in-law Kimberly explained how Margaret was “the first woman in American politics to earn a triple crown in politics, serving as a Congresswoman, a Cabinet Secretary, and an Ambassador to Ireland.”
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the context of the times. In the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, when so many women were still confined to domestic roles, Margaret stood out as a trailblazer in male-dominated spaces. Imagine being one of the few women working alongside countless men in the 1960s—Margaret was undoubtedly a rarity and a force to be reckoned with.
But here’s the troubling question: why is Margaret’s name so unfamiliar to many of us? How could a woman with such groundbreaking accomplishments become, in essence, a ghost in history? Especially when her work continues to benefit women today. Consider this—every time you grab a credit card for a purchase, you are enjoying a right that Margaret helped secure through her tireless fight for women’s financial equality.
Forgotten Roles of Women in Religion
The erasure of women’s contributions isn’t confined to politics. It’s just as evident in the religious sphere. Why is it that most Catholic women remain unaware of the pivotal roles women once held in the Church’s early history? These were not symbolic titles—they were actual positions of power. Women served as bishops, deacons, and priests.
Take Mary, Mother of God, for instance. Known historically as Mary Priest, she is the most credible example of a woman priest and stands as “The Woman of Firsts.” How has this part of Mary’s identity been obscured, leaving the laity incredulous to this strikingly powerful truth? Recognizing this side of Mary’s story sheds a whole new light on the ongoing discussion about reinstating women priests in the Catholic Church.
Fighting for Justice in War and Beyond
Margaret Heckler’s fight for equality extended far beyond politics. Consider the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. These brave women test-flew newly manufactured airplanes—essentially serving as the planes’ first pilots. Despite their vital contributions, these women were denied the compensation and recognition they deserved.
In one tragic incident, a plane crash claimed the lives of three male pilots and one female WASP. The men received full military burials and pay, while the female pilot did not. Margaret used her legal expertise to spotlight this injustice and advocate for change. She turned a moment of tragedy into a rallying cry for equality.
From the Political Aisle to the Church Aisle
Margaret Heckler’s legacy reminds us that inequality is pervasive, whether in the halls of government or the pews of the Catholic Church. Within the patriarchal structure of the Church, women’s inequality remains glaringly obvious.
One thing is certain: this imbalance will never change without the active involvement of everyday Catholics—the laity. Margaret’s relentless drive to challenge archaic gender barriers was fueled by her personal convictions and sense of justice. She showed us what is possible when one person dares to take a stand.
Now, the question is, what will you do? As an American Catholic woman, how can you contribute to removing inequality in your Church today? Margaret’s story challenges us all to look inward, to reflect on our role in shaping a more just and equitable future.
Enjoy the podcast episode where I interview author, Kimberly Heckler who profiles Margaret Heckler. CLICK HERE
