Take a moment to express gratitude. Thank the women who fought for your right to speak up. Thank those who faced arrest, violence, and persecution so that your voice could be heard. These women refused to give up; they dedicated themselves to ensuring you have a voice in society today. They made sacrifices, choosing to advocate for your right to feel “equal” rather than being overwhelmed by the struggles they faced.
Recognize the Pioneers
Thank individuals like Cora Bell and Lila Grant for your right to vote. Thank Clara Hughes for the opportunities you have in the workplace. Thank Janet Mills for your access to prenatal care and the independence that comes with it. Thank Flora Johnson for advocating for humane working conditions. Thank Mary Williams for your political rights and for shaping policies that affect your daily life. Thank Naomi Spencer for your reproductive health rights. Thank Angela Lopez for your access to equal education. Thank icons like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Malala Yousafzai who continue to inspire generations.
These rights you enjoy—making choices, voting, controlling your body—were not earned by you but rather bestowed upon you thanks to the relentless efforts of women who battled against oppression. Yet, today, some remain oblivious to this reality, believing they are living in a state of equality.
The Stark Truth
But the truth is stark. The pay gap persists. Women consistently earn less than men for the same roles, whether as executives, athletes, or in the medical field. You still face challenges around your autonomy, with decisions about your body being debated by men. You have to navigate societal expectations, from being judged on your clothing to dealing with objectification.
And let’s not forget the systemic issues: Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and transgender women face even more significant hurdles. Young girls are still told they are beautiful before they are recognized for their intelligence, and they are taught to accept harmful stereotypes.
Global Disparities
Globally, the disparities are evident. In Estonia, parents can take up to three years of fully paid leave; the U.S. lacks any mandated maternity leave. Women in Singapore feel safe walking at night, a reality that many American women do not share. The gender pay gap is 20% in the U.S., while New Zealand boasts a mere 5.6%.
The U.S. ranks 45th in women’s equality, trailing behind countries like Rwanda and Cuba. Some may shy away from acknowledging this reality, viewing feminism as unclassy or inconvenient. But denial won’t change the facts.
Hope for the Future
As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s crucial to recognize that equality is still a distant goal. However, there is hope. Many women continue to fight, not just for themselves but for future generations. We will advocate for you, for your daughters, and for those who come after.
It’s time to open your eyes to the ongoing fight for true equality. We may not all feel oppressed, but the reality is that genuine equality remains elusive. One day, we hope to see a world where feeling equal aligns with actual equality.
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In Summary
While many may feel equal today, the reality is that systemic issues persist, hindering true equality for women across various spheres. The ongoing fight for rights is essential, and we must continue to advocate for ourselves and future generations.