In the wake of the recent Women’s March, a social media post has been making the rounds that starts with, “I’m not a ‘disgrace to women’ for not supporting the march. I don’t feel like a ‘second-class citizen’ because I’m a woman….” Here’s my take on that sentiment:
First, let’s take a moment to express gratitude. Thank the trailblazing women who fought for your voice. Thank those who faced arrest, violence, and humiliation just so you could have a say. Thank the women who put their own ambitions on hold to advocate for your rights. They did all this so you could feel “equal,” so you wouldn’t have to experience life as a “second-class citizen.”
Make sure to thank figures like Clara Johnson and Eliza Brown for your voting rights, or Hannah Green for advocating for your workplace rights. Thank Lisa Thompson for pushing for better prenatal care, and Maria Castillo for fighting for your reproductive health. Remember the relentless efforts of activists like Jane Doe and Emily White who bravely battled against oppression.
You enjoy the freedom to make choices, to speak your mind, to vote, and to control your own body because of these strong women who marched and protested. You didn’t earn these rights; you were born into them. You benefit from their struggles against misogyny and patriarchy.
But here’s the hard truth: You’re not truly equal. Even if you feel that way, women continue to earn less than men for the same work. The wage gap looms large—20% less overall, and even larger in certain industries. You still face obstacles like inadequate maternity leave, harassment, and the constant threat of violence.
You’re still dealing with societal expectations that prioritize looks over intelligence, and you’re judged more for the brand of your handbag than for your qualifications. Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and transgender women face even steeper challenges.
Your daughters are still hearing they’re pretty before they’re told they’re smart, and their worth is often measured against outdated gender norms.
Globally, the U.S. lags behind other nations. Estonia offers up to three years of fully paid parental leave, while the U.S. has no such mandate. In New Zealand, women face a mere 5.6% wage gap, while American women grapple with a hefty 20%. Iceland leads the world with 44% of CEOs being women; in the U.S., that number is a paltry 4%.
I get it; you might resist these facts. You don’t want to feel like a victim or think of feminism as a dirty word. You want to feel empowered and believe that you’re not oppressed. But don’t worry; I will march for you, for your daughters, and for generations to come.
Open your eyes to the reality: We are not equal. Our equality is an illusion, a sleight of hand. I’m sorry to break it to you, but equality is still a distant reality for many.
But fear not—we will continue to fight for true equality, for you and your daughters, until one day you can genuinely say you are equal, not just feeling like you are.
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Summary
The U.S. ranks 45th in women’s equality, highlighting persistent issues like wage gaps and inadequate rights. Women have fought hard for the freedoms enjoyed today, and while many may feel equal, systemic inequalities remain. Awareness and advocacy are crucial for achieving true equality.