Let’s talk Women.

March is a month dedicated to the history and successes of women across the world. Women have undoubtedly been treated differently than men for centuries. From less pay to stereotypes, women have been objectified for as long as we can remember. Thank God I was born in a time where women’s rights and equality is a prominent topic and old stereotypes are being thrown away.

I have many women in my life I admire. My mother, grandmother, sister, cousins, aunts, friends, in-laws, the list goes on. There are many women in history that I also admire, such as Betty Friedan, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Ruth Winifred Howard for example. Women have changed the world then and now.

I am undeniably a huge feminist. Equality and women’s rights are two examples of topics that are a big deal to me. Don’t confuse feminism as something that solely focuses on women’s rights and equality; feminism is much more than that. Modern feminism focuses on worldwide issues, such as hunger, violence, etc. However, for the sake of Women’s History Month, we are only discussing women’s rights and the progress that has been made.

Did you know Black women were not granted free voting rights until 1920? Whereas men had the right to vote from the 1700s. Tell me how that is fair. Women of color have been treated significantly worse than white women throughout history. One of my favorite authors Mikki Kendall highlights the suffrage of women of color in history in one of my favorite books Hood Feminism. This is a very educational read for anyone of any race, gender, sexuality, etc.

Let’s talk about Elizabeth Stanton. Elizabeth is known for creating the first wave of feminism. This began in 1848 when she rallied a few hundred men and women to advocate for women suffrage. She and Susan B. Anthony worked closely together to accomplish many crucial progressions in women’s rights and equality. The second wave of feminism came from Betty Friedan after her publication The Feminine Mystique. Essentially, her book was questioning the worth of women. During the time of the release of this book (1960s), women were told to be housewives and sacrafice their lives to serve their husband and children. They were instructed since birth to not pursue an education and settle with a man as soon as possible to marry and have children. After, her responsibilities were solely focused on her husband and children. Women had no opportunities and also had no other option other than this.

I am not judging for how others run their household, and certainly not judging others for their beliefs. However, in my household, equality is a must and not up for debate. My fiancé is very educated about feminism and modern feminism and women’s history. He supports my beliefs and agrees with them himself.

We also practice balance in my household. I work full-time, attend college full-time, and own a business. It would be incredibly difficult for me to keep up with all the housework on top of that. My fiancé splits the housework with me and doesn’t complain. He does it on his own when he knows it must be done. He respects all the work I do and respects me as a woman.

A woman has much more responsibility than a man. For great example, child bearing and child birth; something a man can not do. Women experience periods and many more health complications that men do not have the opportunity to experience. For example, I am scheduling a procedure to have an ovarian cyst removed; something my fiancé will never have to experience. Although, he knows my suffering and anxiety, and has been nothing but outstanding and supportive by comforting me and helping me when he can.

I am a powerful woman. I carry a lot on my shoulders and still manage to take care of myself. I have a voice for myself and I am very strong in my beliefs. I am confident and strong. If you are a woman, practice your voice. Never let a man knowingly take advantage of you. Some men believe they have power over women, but they do not. We are all humans on this floating rock in space that just have a desire to survive. Be kind, treat others how you want to be treated, and recognize strong women in history that have shaped the world to how it is now.