"People sometimes ask me when I think enough is enough. And my answer is when I reach nine." These are the words of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second female Supreme Court Justice, who passed away on September 18, 2020, at the age of 87 from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer (opens in new tab). The sense of loss felt by our country, especially by women, over the past few days as we fight urgently to fulfill RBG's last wish (opens in new tab) that we not appoint a successor until a new president takes office, is beyond description.

As we continue to mourn the loss of a true champion of equal rights, Marie Claire asked women across the country to reflect on what the RBG has meant to them. We hope their responses will inspire you to keep her legacy alive and ensure that the progress she made for Americans will live on for years to come.

"Judge Ginsburg played a very important role in my family's story when she represented Steven Wiesenfeld (opens in new tab) when he sought Social Security survivor benefits after his wife (my grandfather's cousin) died during childbirth. This benefit was previously only available to widows and not to widowers. To me, this is an important reminder that she was more than a feminist icon. I will always admire her for her brilliance in opening the minds of so many men to understand gender discrimination by proving that it affects us all." -Ali V., 26, Florida

"Ruth Vader Ginsburg is the only proof that superheroes do not wear capes. Instead, they wear black robes, great glasses, and crew necks with 'SUPER DIVA' written across their chest... The economic and social freedoms that women will enjoy in 2020 are directly attributable to the achievements of RBG, who fought for gender equality... Until 1974, when our mothers and grandmothers lived The RBG was a symbol of grit. As women, we owe it to her to vote Trump in November." -For me, Justice Ginsburg has always been a symbol, a champion of reproductive freedom, and a giant for gender equality. A few years ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with her about the status of abortion rights (opens in new tab) in this country. I remember being deeply moved by her presence during that conversation. I was in the company of a true warrior, wearing lace gloves and a delicately beaded purse. I will always remember Justice Ginsburg as the embodiment of resilience and strength. For those of us who fight for gender equality, she was an inspiration that paved the way at every turn. I am devastated by this loss, but fully committed to honoring her legacy by working daily for universal reproductive freedom." -Heidi S., New York, 49

"I will never forget when I was in kindergarten class and we were asked to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up. I drew myself as a lawyer. A boy in my class told me that girls are usually 'mothers' and not lawyers. I am now in my third and final year of law school. Although I am new to this job, I already feel a sense of discomfort, self-doubt, and insecurity that I am not supposed to be here. During college, I started reading a lot about Ruth and her story. It was very inspiring. She gave me encouragement that I could do anything. Her death is tragic, but her legacy lives on in many young women, including me. We will continue her fight." -Gabby V., Maryland, age 24

"Ruth Bader Ginsburg is strength. She demonstrated throughout her life that she would never allow obstacles to get in the way of her goals, and I am grateful for the amazing legal legacy that RBG carved for women and the disabled so that my daughter can accomplish anything she wants...RBG was notoriously perfect." - "As a woman guided by Jewish values and passionate about social justice and fairness, the life and career of Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg was very important to me. She was my role model. Though small in stature, her words and her work were so much more than that; whether it was as the founder of the ACLU's Women's Rights Project or while sitting on the Supreme Court court, each and every American's life has been impacted by Ruth's work. In his oral dissent in Shelby County v. Holder (opens in new tab), which became known as "The Notorious RBG," Justice Ginsburg quoted one of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most famous lines and added an important corollary: "The work of the ACLU is not a work of art. 'But only if you have a firm determination to finish the job. May Ruth's memory be a blessing and guide us as we continue to move forward in her struggle for equal justice under the law and a more perfect union." -Elissa R., New York, 25

"I am so sorry that I did not understand how important her work was until her later years. I am the mother of three daughters and three young granddaughters. We need more women like RBG standing up for women's rights. But more importantly, we women must do our part and stand tall for our rights. One woman cannot do it all. We must stand together." -Ruth Bader Ginsburg Thanks to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as a law student, I have learned to always stand up for my opinion, even if I disagree with it. As a woman, thanks to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I have learned not to let the boundaries of others dictate how far I can go. As an American, thanks to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I have learned that even just one person has the power to make a positive difference in this country." -Amanda C., MA, 25

"RBG has inspired me as a woman, a mother, a Jew, and a badass. Her feistiness, wit, and determination are just a small part of her legacy. She fought for what was right and was a strong voice of reason. I will miss her honor, passion, intelligence, conscience, and power." -Sarah L., Florida, age 40